Expropriation, valuation and compensation practice in Ethiopia

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the expropriation, valuation and compensation practice. This paper tries to investigate how the expropriation and compensation laws are implemented when privately held land and attached real properties are taken for public purpose development in Bahir Dar city and surrounding. However, further research should be undertaken nation‐wide to explore the problems throughout the country.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the findings of a survey of expropriatees from main practices throughout Bahir Dar city and its surroundings.FindingsThere is a big gap between the actual practice of expropriation, valuation and compensation and the Laws. Lack of application of standardized methods and procedures created situations of unfair valuation and compensation.Practical implicationsThe practical implication is that the living status of affected people before and after expropriation could be useful.Originality/valueThe value of the paper for government officials, real property valuers and investors is that transparency, consistency and fair compensation are useful.