Belarus vs Ethiopia
Crypto regulation comparison
Belarus
Ethiopia
Legal
Restricted
Belarus legalized cryptocurrency through Decree No. 8 (2017), creating a favorable environment in the Hi-Tech Park special economic zone. As of 2025, crypto transactions via HTP residents remain tax-exempt, while transactions on foreign platforms are taxed at 13%. A crypto bank framework was introduced in 2026.
Ethiopia's Proclamation No. 1359/2024 explicitly prohibits cryptocurrency for payment transactions but allows the NBE to issue future guidelines on digital assets. Crypto mining is legal and actively growing, with Ethiopia emerging as a major Bitcoin mining destination leveraging hydroelectric power. A comprehensive regulatory framework is under development.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0% (HTP) / 13% (foreign platforms)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Hi-Tech Park (HTP), National Bank of the Republic of Belarus
Regulator
National Bank of Ethiopia
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- Decree No. 8 'On the Development of the Digital Economy' legalized crypto in 2017
- Income from crypto via HTP residents and mining remains tax-exempt; 13% tax on foreign platform transactions since 2025
- Crypto exchanges and businesses must operate through Hi-Tech Park residency
- Mining is legal and considered a business activity
- HTP preferential regime extended until 2049; crypto bank framework introduced in 2026
Key Points
- Proclamation No. 1359/2024 prohibits cryptocurrency for payment transactions
- NBE authorized to issue future directives on crypto assets and CBDCs
- Crypto mining is legal and rapidly expanding, leveraging hydroelectric power
- Ethiopia has become one of the fastest-growing Bitcoin mining destinations globally
- Comprehensive digital asset regulatory framework under development
