Chapa, ArifPay, and SantimPay Seek NBE Intervention Over Tax Enforcement Dispute

Payment Gateway Operators Warn of Operational Disruption and Threats to Digital Payment Services

Three of Ethiopia’s largest licensed payment gateway operators — Chapa, ArifPay, and SantimPay Financial Solution — have jointly appealed to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) for urgent intervention following enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Revenue.

According to a letter dated May 29, 2026, and accessed by Ethiopian Business Review, the companies argue that the Ministry instructed commercial banks to directly collect disputed tax liabilities from their accounts despite ongoing administrative review and appeal processes.

The letter was copied to Abiy Ahmed, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Revenue.

Companies Claim Enforcement Violates Tax Law

The three payment service providers contend that the enforcement measures violate provisions of Ethiopia’s Federal Tax Administration Proclamation No. 983/2016.

According to the companies, Chapter Five of the proclamation prohibits the collection of disputed tax debts while formal appeals remain active before the Tax Authority, Federal High Court, or Federal Supreme Court.

The firms state they have already initiated legal and administrative review procedures and argue that any collection action before those processes conclude is both procedurally premature and inconsistent with existing legal protections.

Industry Players Report Operational Paralysis

The companies say the enforcement measures have triggered severe operational challenges.

According to the letter, critical business accounts have been frozen, merchant settlement operations have been disrupted, and liquidity constraints have been created across their platforms. The firms also report workforce reductions and growing risks to business continuity.

The operators warn that continued restrictions could undermine essential digital payment services used by businesses, government institutions, and consumers across Ethiopia.

Collectively, the three fintech firms report processing more than 200 billion Birr in transactions and providing payment infrastructure for major national initiatives, including local debit card collections for Ethiopian Airlines, the Fayda National ID Program ecosystem, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam donation platform, and various government institutions.

All three companies also state they received Silver Level Certificates of Recognition from the Ministry of Revenue for tax compliance achievements within their first three years of operation.

Fintech Sector Seeks Regulatory Support

In their appeal, the companies have requested that the central bank facilitate dialogue among the relevant institutions, ensure that due process protections are respected, and suspend enforcement actions until the ongoing appeals are resolved.

They also called on regulators to prevent further disruption to licensed payment system operators and safeguard the stability of Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between tax enforcement efforts and Ethiopia’s broader digital financial inclusion agenda, as fintech companies continue to play an increasingly important role in the country’s evolving financial sector.

source: Ethiopian Business Review