How long do I have to appeal a civil court ruling in Ethiopia, and what grounds are accepted?

Thank you for your question. As a law office actively representing clients in complex civil and commercial litigation across Ethiopia, we are pleased to clarify the appellate process.

1. Filing Deadline for Appeals in Ethiopia
Under Ethiopian law, the appeal period begins on the date the judgment is rendered, not the date you receive it:
Civil matters (non-labour disputes): You have 60 days from the date of judgment.
Labour disputes: You have 30 days from the date of judgment.
It is crucial to act promptly, as failing to file within the prescribed period generally results in losing the right to appeal.

2. Legally Recognized Grounds for Appeal
Appellate courts review whether the trial court committed legal or factual errors.
The exact grounds must be identified after reviewing:
The judgment,
The pleadings and submissions,
The evidence presented at the lower court.
Once we review these materials, we can determine whether there were misinterpretations of the law, improper evaluation of evidence or procedural irregularities, each of which may warrant an appeal.

3. Introducing New Evidence on Appeal
As a rule, new evidence is not admitted at the appellate stage. However, if you can demonstrate a legitimate reason why the evidence could not have been presented at the trial court, the appellate court may grant an exception and allow its introduction.

4. Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Although Ethiopian courts do not obligate parties to be represented by counsel, appellate litigation is highly technical. Effective appeals require a deep understanding of procedural rules, strong legal argumentation and careful drafting.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended to engage a lawyer experienced in appellate matters to safeguard your rights and improve your chances of success.