Ethiopia vs Georgia
Crypto regulation comparison
Ethiopia
Georgia
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.
Georgia is one of the most crypto-friendly countries globally. There is no capital gains tax for individuals on cryptocurrency, and the country has a significant crypto mining industry due to low electricity costs. The National Bank has taken a cautious but permissive approach, issuing guidance rather than strict regulation.
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
Key Points
- No capital gains tax on crypto for individuals
- Businesses dealing in crypto are taxed under standard corporate tax rules (15% CIT)
- Georgia is a major crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power
- NBG does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not prohibited it
- The Free Industrial Zone offers additional tax advantages for crypto businesses