The use of sales registration machines began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2008 and its use has expanded significantly during the past 3 and 1/2 years. The use of the machines at a regional level got underway in 2010/11 and already traders in Tigray and Amhara have begun to use them. Traders in other regions are also expected to use these machines soon.
It is now estimated that over 28,000 traders use sales register machines in Ethiopia which is a significant increase from June 2010 when there were only 4,386 users.
This has subsequently increased the number of cash register machines used by traders from 5,771 to 32,208.
According to the Cash Register Machine Administration and Implementation Team Leader, Mr. Anteneh Tamirat, the traders purchase the machines from 8 suppliers who are allowed to import them free of duty. The price for a machine can range from 5,000 to 13,000 birr, depending on the type. The list of the 8 suppliers includes:

  1. Petram Plc
  2. Haron Computer Plc
  3. Omedad Plc
  4. Jupiter Trading Plc
  5. Merchandise Wholesale & Import Trade Enterprise (MWITE)
  6. Addis Home Depot Plc
  7. I-POS International Trading Plc
  8. Ambasel Trading Plc

Source : ERCA