diff --git a/cli/internal/validate.go b/cli/internal/validate.go
index b2585a02c..5ecbbcacb 100644
--- a/cli/internal/validate.go
+++ b/cli/internal/validate.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package internal
 
 import (
 	"errors"
+	"os"
 
 	"coopcloud.tech/abra/pkg/app"
 	"coopcloud.tech/abra/pkg/config"
@@ -25,7 +26,7 @@ func ValidateRecipeArg(c *cli.Context) string {
 	return recipeName
 }
 
-// ValidateAppNameArg ensures the app name arg is valid.
+// ValidateApp ensures the app name arg is valid.
 func ValidateApp(c *cli.Context) config.App {
 	appName := c.Args().First()
 
@@ -36,6 +37,7 @@ func ValidateApp(c *cli.Context) config.App {
 	app, err := app.Get(appName)
 	if err != nil {
 		logrus.Fatal(err)
+		os.Exit(1)
 	}
 
 	return app