Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coop Bank) has been named Sustainable SME Financier of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum 2025, held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The recognition underscores Coop Bank’s pioneering role in expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ethiopia through its Michu Digital Lending Platform. By deploying AI-driven credit scoring and eliminating the need for collateral, Michu has delivered 2.4 million loans to MSMEs, with a majority going to women- and youth-led enterprises.
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The platform has redefined access to credit in Ethiopia, where small businesses face systemic financing constraints. Its impact goes beyond financial inclusion, driving job creation, enterprise growth, and stronger community resilience.
The award also signals the growing role of technology-enabled and sustainable digital finance solutions in Africa’s economic transformation. By closing critical gaps in SME financing, initiatives like Michu are positioning Ethiopia and Africa more broadly on a path toward more inclusive and resilient growth.
