Ptychadena wadein. sp. is described from grassland at moderate elevation, south of Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The new taxon is distinguished from all NE African congeners with comparably restricted webbing by its small size, compact body form, the arrangement of skin folds on the back and details of colour pattern, particularly on the hindlimbs. It remains unknown whetherP. wadeiis a montane endemic, with a type locality perhaps near the lower limit of its altitudinal range, or a more widespread savanna form that has succeeded in penetrating the foothills of the Ethiopian plateau. Lake Tana and the surrounding mountains are a part of the country much in need of further herpetological study.