A Milestone for Ethiopia’s First Private Investment Bank
CBE Capital Investment Bank, S.C., which launched as Ethiopia’s first private investment bank on March 22, 2025, after receiving its license from the Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority (ECMA), has achieved a significant milestone by securing membership in the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) on June 4, 2025. This follows the recent launch of Wegagen Capital, another private investment bank, signaling a growing competitive landscape in Ethiopia’s financial sector. CBE Capital’s ESX membership marks a pivotal step for the bank and the country’s evolving capital markets.
Enhancing Brokerage Services
The ESX membership enables CBE Capital to expand its equity and fixed income securities brokerage services, offering both individual and institutional investors greater access to Ethiopia’s emerging capital markets. The bank stated that this membership underscores its commitment to delivering innovative investment opportunities and financial advisory services that empower its clients.
Strategic Growth and Talent Recruitment
To support its goals and Ethiopia’s projected economic growth, estimated by Goldman Sachs to reach $1.6 trillion in 25 years, CBE Capital has recruited experienced professionals from Ethiopia and the U.S.-based diaspora, with expertise in investment banking and brokerage. The bank is also actively hiring more talent, including summer interns from local and international universities, to build a robust team.
Supporting Ethiopia’s Financial Ecosystem
Since its inception, CBE Capital has focused on providing investment banking services across sectors like banking, manufacturing, and real estate, preparing clients for IPOs, private placements, regulatory registrations, and mergers and acquisitions. With its ESX membership, the bank aims to leverage its local knowledge and global expertise to foster a dynamic financial ecosystem in Ethiopia.
