Kenya Commercial Bank Ltd (KCB) Group has unveiled plans to enter Ethiopia's banking sector within the next year and a half, positioning itself to become one of the first major foreign lenders to secure a presence in the newly liberalised market.
According to hashtag#KCB Finance Director Lawrence Kimathi, the Nairobi-based lender is in advanced talks to acquire a 40% stake in an Ethiopian bank. While he declined to name the institution, Kimathi confirmed that proceeds from the recent sale of KCB's subsidiary, National Bank of Kenya, to Nigeria's Access Bank Plc will help finance the transaction. #EBR
@PatternFin
According to hashtag#KCB Finance Director Lawrence Kimathi, the Nairobi-based lender is in advanced talks to acquire a 40% stake in an Ethiopian bank. While he declined to name the institution, Kimathi confirmed that proceeds from the recent sale of KCB's subsidiary, National Bank of Kenya, to Nigeria's Access Bank Plc will help finance the transaction. #EBR
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𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝟏𝟎%
The gap between Ethiopia’s commercial banks and independent forex bureaus has surged past 10%, with a dollar trading at up to 160 birr at bureaus, even after the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) injected $150 million into the market.
Commercial banks offered lower rates, with the NBE’s indicative rate at 141.77 birr per dollar, while bureaus faced higher costs due to cash-only restrictions. #BirrMetrics
@PatternFin
The gap between Ethiopia’s commercial banks and independent forex bureaus has surged past 10%, with a dollar trading at up to 160 birr at bureaus, even after the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) injected $150 million into the market.
Commercial banks offered lower rates, with the NBE’s indicative rate at 141.77 birr per dollar, while bureaus faced higher costs due to cash-only restrictions. #BirrMetrics
@PatternFin
Agriculture contributes nearly a third of Ethiopia’s GDP and more than two-thirds of its merchandise exports, yet the sector remains starved of finance. Irrigation, mechanization, and the use of improved seeds are still minimal, leaving most farmers operating just above subsistence, and food security persistently fragile.
To confront this structural bottleneck, the central bank has unveiled the National Agri-Finance Implementation Roadmap (NAFIR). The plan targets an expansion of agricultural credit to 881 billion Br by 2030, but its significance lies in more than the headline figure. It maps out the gaps that have long kept credit from reaching farmers, from collateral constraints to weak financial institutions. #Shega
@PatternFin
To confront this structural bottleneck, the central bank has unveiled the National Agri-Finance Implementation Roadmap (NAFIR). The plan targets an expansion of agricultural credit to 881 billion Br by 2030, but its significance lies in more than the headline figure. It maps out the gaps that have long kept credit from reaching farmers, from collateral constraints to weak financial institutions. #Shega
@PatternFin
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𝗬𝗮𝗬𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲
YaYa Wallet has introduced an International Inward Remittance Service, further growing its digital payments portfolio.
The launch comes alongside the release of YaYa Wallet 2.0, the enhanced mobile application now available to all customers, and enables global remittance to all Ethiopian banks and microfinance institutions.
In celebration of the upcoming Ethiopian holidays, a special bonus of 6% is offered on every foreign currency transfer made through YaYa Wallet until October 10, 2025. #Shega
@PatternFin
YaYa Wallet has introduced an International Inward Remittance Service, further growing its digital payments portfolio.
The launch comes alongside the release of YaYa Wallet 2.0, the enhanced mobile application now available to all customers, and enables global remittance to all Ethiopian banks and microfinance institutions.
In celebration of the upcoming Ethiopian holidays, a special bonus of 6% is offered on every foreign currency transfer made through YaYa Wallet until October 10, 2025. #Shega
@PatternFin
Nib Bank and CBE Capital Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost Capital Market Presence
In a move to strengthen their position in the capital market, Nib Bank and CBE Capital have entered a strategic partnership. The agreement, signed at Nib's headquarters, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance both institutions' competitiveness and operational capacity.
Henok Kebede Tadesse, CEO of Nib Bank, said the agreement will accelerate Nib's entry into capital market activities and strengthen the bank's market position.
CBE Capital CEO Zemedeneh Negatu noted the agreement reflects a shared vision and aims to drive growth through impactful financial solutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior management from both banks, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration. The agreement is expected to catalyse joint initiatives in investment banking, asset management, and capital market development, areas critical to Ethiopia's economic transformation. #EBR
@PatternFin
In a move to strengthen their position in the capital market, Nib Bank and CBE Capital have entered a strategic partnership. The agreement, signed at Nib's headquarters, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance both institutions' competitiveness and operational capacity.
Henok Kebede Tadesse, CEO of Nib Bank, said the agreement will accelerate Nib's entry into capital market activities and strengthen the bank's market position.
CBE Capital CEO Zemedeneh Negatu noted the agreement reflects a shared vision and aims to drive growth through impactful financial solutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior management from both banks, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration. The agreement is expected to catalyse joint initiatives in investment banking, asset management, and capital market development, areas critical to Ethiopia's economic transformation. #EBR
@PatternFin
Dashen Bank Launches New Remittance Services with EagleLion System Technologies
Dashen Bank has officially introduced a suite of remittance services in partnership with Ethiopian technology firm EagleLion System Technologies, the developer behind GuzoGo, a bank-integrated travel app, and CashGo, the country’s first remittance and money transfer app.
Among the newly launched services is Gift Ethiopia, which enables Ethiopians abroad to send money, purchase gift cards, and buy products for family and friends back home during holidays.
Another initiative is an agent- based hawala service, operated through legally licensed agents working with Dashen Bank to expand access to money transfers.
The bank also unveiled a digital money transfer platform that allows global remittance institutions to serve customers through a single system. #EBR
@PatternFin
Dashen Bank has officially introduced a suite of remittance services in partnership with Ethiopian technology firm EagleLion System Technologies, the developer behind GuzoGo, a bank-integrated travel app, and CashGo, the country’s first remittance and money transfer app.
Among the newly launched services is Gift Ethiopia, which enables Ethiopians abroad to send money, purchase gift cards, and buy products for family and friends back home during holidays.
Another initiative is an agent- based hawala service, operated through legally licensed agents working with Dashen Bank to expand access to money transfers.
The bank also unveiled a digital money transfer platform that allows global remittance institutions to serve customers through a single system. #EBR
@PatternFin
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𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤
Lion International Bank S.C. has officially absorbed the shareholders of Geez Bank following approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia. Geez Bank, a commercial bank under formation since 2020, has faced repeated delays due to internal disputes among its promoters and broader operational challenges.
The bank resumed share sales in April 2023, aiming to raise significant capital from its growing pool of investors, but disagreements over its future direction had kept its operations on hold for several years. #BirrMetrics
@PatternFin
Lion International Bank S.C. has officially absorbed the shareholders of Geez Bank following approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia. Geez Bank, a commercial bank under formation since 2020, has faced repeated delays due to internal disputes among its promoters and broader operational challenges.
The bank resumed share sales in April 2023, aiming to raise significant capital from its growing pool of investors, but disagreements over its future direction had kept its operations on hold for several years. #BirrMetrics
@PatternFin
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Addis Ababa, August 28, 2025
It is with great pride that we announce today the signing of a $2.5 billion strategic investment agreement between the Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings for the construction of a fertilizer production complex in Ethiopia.
This project, with an annual capacity of 3 million tons, represents much more than a simple industrial investment: it marks a historic turning point towards Ethiopia's food sovereignty. Our ambition is clear: to reduce the country's dependence on fertilizer imports, ensure a reliable supply for local farmers, and make Ethiopia a global leader in this key sector.
I would like to thank Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable agricultural development. This partnership will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs, the improvement of agricultural productivity, and the strengthening of the region's competitiveness.
Via #Aliko_Dangote
It is with great pride that we announce today the signing of a $2.5 billion strategic investment agreement between the Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings for the construction of a fertilizer production complex in Ethiopia.
This project, with an annual capacity of 3 million tons, represents much more than a simple industrial investment: it marks a historic turning point towards Ethiopia's food sovereignty. Our ambition is clear: to reduce the country's dependence on fertilizer imports, ensure a reliable supply for local farmers, and make Ethiopia a global leader in this key sector.
I would like to thank Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable agricultural development. This partnership will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs, the improvement of agricultural productivity, and the strengthening of the region's competitiveness.
Via #Aliko_Dangote
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Bank of Abyssinia Signs MoU with Fastpay LLC on Remittance Services
Bank of Abyssinia and Fastpay LLC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to expand digital remittance options for Ethiopians abroad.
The agreement will allow members of the Ethiopian diaspora and individuals with Visa or MasterCard to send money directly to family and friends in Ethiopia through Fastpay’s platform. The service is designed to provide a faster and more convenient alternative to traditional money transfer channels, while also supporting the country’s foreign exchange inflows.
Fastpay LLC, a technology company operating in the United States and Ethiopia, focuses on making remittances more accessible for the Ethiopian diaspora. #EBR
@PatternFin
Bank of Abyssinia and Fastpay LLC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to expand digital remittance options for Ethiopians abroad.
The agreement will allow members of the Ethiopian diaspora and individuals with Visa or MasterCard to send money directly to family and friends in Ethiopia through Fastpay’s platform. The service is designed to provide a faster and more convenient alternative to traditional money transfer channels, while also supporting the country’s foreign exchange inflows.
Fastpay LLC, a technology company operating in the United States and Ethiopia, focuses on making remittances more accessible for the Ethiopian diaspora. #EBR
@PatternFin
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The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has announced the launch of a 50 billion birr scheme designed to support the Ethiopian diaspora community. The package aims to facilitate investments, home purchases, and vehicle acquisitions for Ethiopians abroad.
The announcement was made in Dubai during a meeting with members of the diaspora from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. CBE President Abe Sano, who led the delegation, said the initiative forms part of the bank’s broader reform agenda, with a particular focus on expanding services tailored to the diaspora.
The scheme includes long-term loan facilities with low interest rates, alongside expanded savings and international transfer services. According to Vice President Nuri Hussien, the reforms are designed to make financial services more accessible and competitive for Ethiopians abroad. #EBR
@PatternFin
The announcement was made in Dubai during a meeting with members of the diaspora from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. CBE President Abe Sano, who led the delegation, said the initiative forms part of the bank’s broader reform agenda, with a particular focus on expanding services tailored to the diaspora.
The scheme includes long-term loan facilities with low interest rates, alongside expanded savings and international transfer services. According to Vice President Nuri Hussien, the reforms are designed to make financial services more accessible and competitive for Ethiopians abroad. #EBR
@PatternFin
𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝
Ethiopia is set to open a branch of its state-owned Commercial Bank in Somaliland as both countries move to deepen cross-border financial cooperation.
The central banks also agreed to form a joint working group to advance payments, trade finance, and regulatory initiatives, highlighting Berbera Port’s strategic role in regional commerce.
@PatternFin
Ethiopia is set to open a branch of its state-owned Commercial Bank in Somaliland as both countries move to deepen cross-border financial cooperation.
The central banks also agreed to form a joint working group to advance payments, trade finance, and regulatory initiatives, highlighting Berbera Port’s strategic role in regional commerce.
@PatternFin
Breaking -
Mamo Mihertu has announced that he is resigning from his position as the governor of Ethiopia's National Bank.
@PatternFin
Mamo Mihertu has announced that he is resigning from his position as the governor of Ethiopia's National Bank.
@PatternFin
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European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera has arrived in Addis Ababa for the Africa Climate Summit, where she is announcing a significant strategic shift in EU-Africa relations from aid-based support to investment-driven partnership.
Central to this new approach are two major energy initiatives: a €133 million commitment to modernize and green Ethiopia’s power grid, and a €15 million investment to accelerate integration of the African Single Electricity Market. These form part of the EU’s wider Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize €150 billion in sustainable infrastructure and energy investments across Africa by 2027.
The move is designed to boost renewable capacity, strengthen energy security, and open new opportunities for business cooperation and green growth.
#EBR
@PatternFin
Central to this new approach are two major energy initiatives: a €133 million commitment to modernize and green Ethiopia’s power grid, and a €15 million investment to accelerate integration of the African Single Electricity Market. These form part of the EU’s wider Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize €150 billion in sustainable infrastructure and energy investments across Africa by 2027.
The move is designed to boost renewable capacity, strengthen energy security, and open new opportunities for business cooperation and green growth.
#EBR
@PatternFin
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#T-Bill
📢 Ethiopia’s T-Bill Market Shows Strong Momentum
Ethiopia’s Treasury Bill (T-Bill) market is proving to be a vital pillar for domestic financing.
In just two months (July–August 2025), the government raised ETB 111.1 billion, exceeding its target of ETB 103.4 billion.
🔑 Highlights: In Picture! 👇
💰 ETB 164.7 billion bids were submitted → 159% investor demand rate.
📊 Subscription rate: 107%, reflecting a liquid and confident market.
📈 Net issuance reached ETB 23.9 billion, covering 14% of the annual plan.
👉 The data underscores strong investor confidence, especially in short-term instruments, while banks and pension funds continue to dominate Ethiopia’s domestic debt market.
@PatternFin
📢 Ethiopia’s T-Bill Market Shows Strong Momentum
Ethiopia’s Treasury Bill (T-Bill) market is proving to be a vital pillar for domestic financing.
In just two months (July–August 2025), the government raised ETB 111.1 billion, exceeding its target of ETB 103.4 billion.
🔑 Highlights: In Picture! 👇
💰 ETB 164.7 billion bids were submitted → 159% investor demand rate.
📊 Subscription rate: 107%, reflecting a liquid and confident market.
📈 Net issuance reached ETB 23.9 billion, covering 14% of the annual plan.
👉 The data underscores strong investor confidence, especially in short-term instruments, while banks and pension funds continue to dominate Ethiopia’s domestic debt market.
@PatternFin