Mining & Energy
Practice Overview
Our Energy & Mining Practice offers end-to-end legal advisory services across the full lifecycle of energy and mining projects in Ethiopia—from title acquisition and permitting to project structuring, financing, operational support, and regulatory compliance. With deep sector expertise in power (hydro, solar, wind, geothermal), mining, and petroleum laws, we help investors navigate complex transactions and regulatory frameworks. As Ethiopia prioritizes efforts to attract investment in strategic sectors, our trusted legal insight supports the successful execution of diverse strategic investments.
Our Services
- Providing legal guidance on energy, mining, and petroleum sector investments.
- Drafting and negotiating PPPs, PPAs, Implementation Agreements, and Production Sharing Agreements.
- Establishing SPVs and processing investment permits, registrations, and sector-specific licenses.
- Advising on licensing and compliance for all phases of mining operations.
- Drafting and reviewing mining, exploration, joint venture, and partnership agreements.
- Advising on royalties, taxation, and incentives applicable to mining investments.
- Representing clients in disputes involving energy and mining concessions or contracts.
- Conducting legal due diligence on acquisitions in energy, mining, and petroleum projects.
Selected Experience
- Advised a Saudi Arabian energy company on two 125MW PPP solar PV projects, including reviewing PPAs, Implementation Agreements, and land lease agreements.
- Advised international lenders on the project financing of the Tulu Moye Geothermal Project.
- Assisted the Government of Ethiopia in negotiating a framework agreement for a hydrocarbon pipeline project.
- Conducted due diligence for a major energy company bidding for a 100MW wind power project EPC and O&M contract.
- Advised the Government of Ethiopia on negotiations for the GAD–I 125MW solar PPP project.
- Advised international investors on key risks related to PPA and IA terms in Ethiopia.
- Supported an energy company in preparing a bid for a 100MW solar project.
- Reviewed project documents for a 100MW Solar PV IPP for compliance with Ethiopian law.
- Advised a Dutch–U.S. solar developer on off‑grid regulatory frameworks.
- Drafted and negotiated HoT PPAs for a major Israeli solar energy producer.
Overview of the Legal Framework
The mining sector is governed by the Mining Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010 (as amended), Regulation No. 423/2018, and the Transaction of Minerals Proclamation No. 1144/2019. These laws regulate reconnaissance, exploration, and mining licensing, and assign regulatory roles to the Ministry of Mines and regional authorities. Mining taxation falls under the Federal Income Tax Proclamation No. 979/2016.
Energy sector investments fall under the Energy Proclamation No. 810/2013, Geothermal Resources Development Proclamation No. 981/2016, and Energy Regulation No. 447/2019. These frameworks enable foreign investment in power generation, off‑grid transmission, and distribution. Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) is the main off‑taker under PPAs. Most projects follow competitive bidding as required by the Public Private Partnership Proclamation No. 1076/2018 (amended 2023).
Key Contacts
Mehrteab Leul
Managing Partner
mehrteab@mehrteableul.com
+251‑911‑209155
Dereje Ashenafi
Legal Director
dereje@mehrteableul.com
+251‑115-159-798
Real Estate
Practice Overview
With a strong track record of advising domestic and international clients, including diplomatic missions, our Firm provides comprehensive legal services across the full spectrum of real estate development and transactions in Ethiopia. We support developers, lenders, borrowers, and investors in navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing the real estate sector.
Our team combines deep legal expertise with practical insights to help clients structure and execute real estate transactions efficiently and compliantly. We advise on land acquisition, due diligence, leasing, land‑use regulation, investment structuring, conveyancing, and asset disposition. As Ethiopia expands its urban and infrastructure development, we play a key role in guiding high‑stakes developments and public‑private initiatives.
Our Services
- Advising on land acquisition, including direct leasehold, sub‑lease, and allocation frameworks.
- Conducting title due diligence and verifying landholding rights.
- Drafting and reviewing land lease agreements, sub‑leases, sales, joint ventures, and partnership agreements.
- Advising on foreign ownership, development rights, expropriation, and compensation.
- Providing conveyancing services and handling registration of transfers and mortgages.
- Advising lenders and borrowers on financing and refinancing of real estate projects.
- Drafting and negotiating construction agreements and addressing contractor claims, including FIDIC‑based contracts.
- Representing clients in real estate disputes before courts and arbitration tribunals.
Selected Experience
- Advised multiple embassies in Addis Ababa on diplomatic property acquisition and conveyancing.
- Advised an international developer on financing and negotiation of facility agreements and sale agreements.
- Advised a major Abu Dhabi developer on a JV with the Addis Ababa City Government and secured land acquisition.
- Advised the Government of Ethiopia on major PPP housing projects.
- Supported an international developer in regulatory compliance for large‑scale land acquisition.
- Advised a U.S. diplomatic housing company on transactional documents and property title transfer.
- Supported an international chemical manufacturer with commercial property rental negotiations.
- Advised a global Norwegian paint manufacturer on acquiring industrial development land.
- Advised a major aerospace company on rental contract drafting and negotiation.
- Advised a leading global restaurant brand’s local landlord on a long‑term rental agreement.
- Advised Ethiopia’s largest brewery on rental agreements, title transfers, lease negotiations, and due diligence.
Overview of the Legal Framework
In Ethiopia, land is publicly owned, with private investors accessing land through leasehold arrangements. The real estate sector is fully open to foreign investment. Key governing laws include the Civil Code (1960), Investment Proclamation No. 1180/2020, Real Estate Development and Valuation Proclamation No. 1357/2024, Building Proclamation No. 624/2009, and Urban Land Lease Holding Proclamation No. 721/2011.
Before 2025, real estate regulation was fragmented. The 2024 Real Estate Development and Real Property Marketing and Valuation Proclamation introduced a unified regulatory framework, mandating developer qualification licensing, minimum capital requirements, and construction capacity standards. For foreign developers, projects of 500–5000 units require 40% allocation to low‑ and middle‑income groups. Lease terms may run up to 99 years and are administered by regional authorities.
Key Contacts
Mehrteab Leul
Managing Partner
mehrteab@mehrteableul.com
+251‑911‑209-155
Dereje Ashenafi
Legal Director
dereje@mehrteableul.com
+251-115-159-798