Ethio telecom has announced a major expansion of its digital financial services through a strategic partnership with Siinqee Bank. The new collaboration introduces a range of services via the telebirr platform — including savings accounts, microloans, salary advances, and device financing — aimed at boosting financial inclusion and accelerating Ethiopia’s digital transformation.
The partnership allows telebirr’s more than 52.5 million customers to access interest-free and interest-bearing savings accounts, open time deposit accounts, and save any amount of money from anywhere in the country. It also introduces ‘Enderas’ Microcredit, enabling individuals, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and medium-sized institutions to access loans up to 30,000 Birr based on their telebirr transaction history, with flexible repayment terms ranging from five to 45 days.
A new salary loan service has also been launched, allowing employees of private and public institutions — including staff of Ethio telecom and Siinqee Bank — to borrow up to five months’ worth of their salaries, with a cap of 1 million Birr and a repayment period of 14 months. Ethio telecom estimates that this service could generate up to 1.3 billion Birr in loan disbursements annually.
To support Ethiopia’s growing network of micro and small businesses, the partnership introduces expanded loan options for MSEs. Merchants, agents, and enterprises can access both non-collateralized loans — ranging from 30,000 to 130,000 Birr — and collateral-based loans of up to 2 million Birr. It is projected that up to 10 billion Birr in loans could be disbursed annually through this program, offering critical support for business growth, job creation, and local economic development.
Ethio telecom emphasized that these services are designed to bridge the financial inclusion gap by targeting rural communities, pastoralist areas, and other underserved segments. The offerings are tailored to Ethiopia’s cultural and linguistic diversity, ensuring user-friendly experiences for all customers.
In addition to the financial services, Ethio telecom and Siinqee Bank have launched a Device Financing program to address one of the biggest barriers to digital access: smartphone affordability. Through this initiative, up to 2 million smartphones will be distributed annually via long-term payment plans, making it easier for low-income citizens to own smartphones and access telecom and digital services. An agreement worth up to 4 billion Birr has been signed between the two institutions to support this ambitious rollout.
The Device Financing service is expected to play a vital role in increasing smartphone penetration, enhancing digital literacy, and advancing Ethiopia’s national digital transformation goals. By making digital devices accessible, the initiative aims to close the digital divide and bring millions more Ethiopians — particularly those in rural and marginalized communities — into the digital economy.
Speaking at the launch event, Ethio telecom reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with financial institutions and continuing to introduce innovative services that promote inclusive economic growth, improve the livelihoods of citizens, and accelerate Ethiopia’s journey toward a fully digital society.
Ethio telecom’s latest initiative is seen as another significant milestone in realizing the vision of a Digital Ethiopia, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to broad-based national development.
