DABLO Law Firm LLP

DABLO Law Firm is a premier full-service law firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, known for its strategic legal counsel and deep-rooted understanding of the local regulatory landscape. Founded by seasoned legal professionals with judicial and private practice backgrounds, the firm delivers tailored legal solutions to multinational corporations, SMEs, NGOs, and government entities.

Recognized by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, DABLO is also a proud member of Lex Africa, the continent’s largest legal alliance. The firm’s commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and professionalism has positioned it as a trusted advisor in Ethiopia’s rapidly evolving legal and economic environment.

Banking & Financial Regulatory

Capital Markets

Corporate & Commercial Law

Employment & Immigration

Energy, Mining & Natural Resources

Fintech, ICT & Data Privacy

Gaming & Entertainment Law

Hospitality & Leisure

Medical Law

Intellectual Property

Investments

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

NGO & Civil Society Law

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Real Estate, Property & Construction Law

Regulatory Compliance

Tax and Customs

DABLO Law Firm offers comprehensive legal services across a wide range of sectors, including:

DABLO Law Firm has demonstrated exceptional legal acumen across a wide spectrum of practice areas. In the banking and financial services sector, the firm has advised a global digital lender on market entry into Ethiopia, supported fintech companies in securing Payment Instrument Operator Licenses, and provided regulatory guidance to a cryptocurrency exchange. The team also structured offshore employee savings schemes and advised on deferred payment structures for a $50 million infrastructure project. In capital markets, DABLO played a pioneering role by advising one of the first firms applying for an investment advisory license under Ethiopia’s new regulatory regime and publishing legal insights on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).

In corporate and commercial law, the firm has handled complex M&A transactions, including the full acquisition of a real estate joint venture and the purchase of a licensed gaming company. It has also guided governance restructuring for pharmaceutical firms and advised on cross-border acquisitions, merger compliance, and tax implications. The employment and immigration team has represented NGOs and private companies in labor disputes, developed HR policies, and assisted foreign nationals with work permits and visas.

DABLO’s energy, mining, and natural resources practice has advised on petroleum operations, solar power projects, and mining disputes involving multimillion-dollar claims. In fintech, ICT, and data privacy, the firm has supported digital finance platforms with licensing, compliance, and GDPR-aligned data protection strategies. It has also contributed to global data compliance platforms and advised on ESG-aligned fintech implementation.

In the gaming and entertainment sector, DABLO has supported the establishment of sports betting businesses, advised on digital lottery platforms, and negotiated franchise and software licensing agreements. The firm has also provided legal counsel to hospitality ventures, including lodge development and restaurant compliance assessments. In medical law, DABLO has represented international NGOs and pharmaceutical companies in litigation and regulatory matters, and assisted in forming a multimillion-dollar diagnostics center.

The intellectual property team has secured trademark assignments, appealed industrial design rejections, and advised on trade secret protection. In investment law, DABLO has helped launch Ethiopia’s first registered e-commerce company, supported green tech and fintech ventures, and advised on equity acquisitions and regulatory compliance. The litigation and dispute resolution team has represented clients in high-stakes arbitration and court proceedings, including a $10 million public infrastructure dispute and employment-related claims for international NGOs.

In NGO and civil society law, the firm has served as a long-term advisor to organizations like Marie Stopes International Ethiopia, supported registration and compliance for new entrants, and advised on employment and governance matters. DABLO has also led negotiations in public-private partnership (PPP) projects, including a 12,000-unit housing development with the Addis Ababa City Administration. In real estate and construction, the firm has represented developers in disputes, drafted sale agreements, and facilitated multimillion-dollar property acquisitions.

Finally, in regulatory compliance, DABLO has advised on Ethiopia’s first GDPR-aligned data protection assessment, supported market entry for global ride-hailing and fintech companies, and guided clients through complex regulatory audits. In tax and customs, the firm has successfully defended clients in disputes before the Tax Appeal Commission and the Federal Supreme Court, advised on cross-border tax planning, and represented clients in multimillion-dollar tax appeals