Abay Bank has officially become the fifth company to list its shares on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), marking another step in the development of Ethiopia’s emerging capital market.
The listing was commemorated through a bell-ringing ceremony hosted by ESX, bringing together market participants, regulators, investors, and representatives of the bank.
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Abay Bank joins four other companies already listed on the exchange, expanding the range of investment opportunities available to the public. According to data displayed on the Neway trading application, Abay Bank shares were trading at around ETB 1,800 per share on the day of listing.
The bank also highlighted its growing digital presence, noting that approximately 70% of its transactions are conducted through digital channels, reflecting the rapid adoption of technology-driven banking services among its customers.
Speaking during the event, ESX Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tilahun Kassahun emphasized the exchange’s commitment to maintaining a fair and orderly market. He noted that ESX has mechanisms in place to manage excessive price movements and ensure market stability.
“We control the market through volatility management measures,” he said, explaining that the exchange can intervene when trading activity moves beyond established limits.
Despite the progress made since the launch of Ethiopia’s securities market, Dr. Tilahun identified investor participation as one of the sector’s key challenges. Increasing public awareness and attracting a broader base of investors, he said, will be essential for improving market liquidity and supporting the long-term growth of the exchange.
Looking ahead, Dr. Tilahun expressed optimism about the exchange’s growth prospects, stating that between 10 and 12 companies could be listed on ESX over the next year, significantly expanding the market’s breadth and investment opportunities.
Abay Bank’s listing was supported by Deloitte, which served as the transaction advisor for the listing process. The listing of Abay Bank follows the admission of four other companies to the exchange and is expected to further strengthen market activity as Ethiopia continues to build its modern securities market infrastructure.
Investors can trade Abay Bank shares through the Neway application and other authorized market intermediaries connected to the Ethiopian Securities Exchange.
