Awash Bank, in partnership with Ethio Telecom, has officially launched Tila, a new digital microfinance and savings service, along with a smart-device financing program through Telebirr. The services, unveiled today, aim to expand access to credit and digital financial solutions for both urban and rural communities across Ethiopia.
The Tila platform introduces fast, accessible, and collateral-free digital loans, supported by AI-powered credit scoring. Any Telebirr and Ethio Telecom user can apply for credit without the need for traditional guarantees, marking a significant step toward inclusive, technology-driven financing.
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Flexible Digital Loans for Individuals
Tila offers short-term digital loans with flexible repayment options:
- 15-day, 40-day, and 75-day loan periods
- Loan amounts ranging from 5,000 ETB to 16,000 ETB
Additionally, the two institutions announced a larger-scale salary-backed loan scheme. Private and public sector employees—including staff of Awash Bank and Ethio Telecom—who receive their salaries through Telebirr and Awash Bank will be eligible for loans up to 1 million ETB, payable over a 16-month period.
Support for Small Businesses
The new service also targets Ethiopia’s micro and small enterprises (MSEs), traders, and agents. Based on their transaction activity through Telebirr and Awash Bank’s mobile banking system, these businesses can access loans ranging from:
- 50,000 ETB to 150,000 ETB
- With repayment periods of 1, 3, or 6 months
Awash Bank has allocated more than 2 billion ETB per year for these loan products, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation across the country.
Smart Device Financing Agreement
Alongside the Tila service, Ethio Telecom and Awash Bank signed a major device financing agreement that aims to provide:
- 3.58 million smartphones annually
- With long-term installment payment options
- Targeting farmers, workers, traders, and agents who need affordable access to telecom devices
Customers can obtain devices bundled with a SIM card and pay over time, helping expand digital connectivity nationwide.
Additional Digital Integrations
As part of the partnership:
- Telebirr users can now withdraw cash from Awash Bank ATMs without a card, using Telebirr alone.
- School fee payments can now be made via the Telebirr SuperApp using Awash Bank School Pay integration.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen digital financial inclusion, expand mobile banking services, and support economic participation across sectors.
