They were the new kids on the block just three years ago. Now, they’re ringing the bell at the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).
Gadaa Bank officially became the second bank to list on the ESX, following Wegagen Bank’s debut earlier this year. With 1.23 million ordinary shares hitting the trading board, Gadaa’s move is more than just a ceremony — it’s a bet on Ethiopia’s still-young capital market.
A Quiet Milestone, Loud Implications
Gadaa’s listing isn’t about raising fresh cash — these are shares already owned by existing shareholders. But the move opens the door for liquidity, price discovery, and visibility. More importantly, it signals rising confidence in the future of Ethiopia’s capital markets — an economy long dominated by state-led finance, credit rationing, and informal deal-making.
“Gadaa Bank’s listing demonstrates the growing confidence in our Exchange and the value of public markets in driving inclusive economic growth.” said Tilahun Kassahun, Chief Executive Officer of the ESX. “We look forward to supporting more institutions in accessing capital, deepening market participation, and building long-term value for the Ethiopian people.”
It’s a subtle but meaningful shift. The ESX launched in July 2024, but its early months have been sluggish. Thin trading, low listings, and cautious sentiment defined its debut. Regulators have prioritized disclosure and compliance over volume and speed — a long-game strategy.
From Startup Bank to Stock Market Player
Gadaa Bank, founded in 2021 and operational since 2022, is one of Ethiopia’s newer lenders. But it’s been quietly building muscle.
- 2023/24 Net Profit: 115 million birr (up from 68 million)
- Total Assets: Over 6.1 billion birr
- Strong growth in deposit mobilization and lending
At the ESX headquarters in Addis, CEO Wolde Bulto called the listing “a major milestone,” not just for the bank, but for the ecosystem.
“This creates liquidity for our shareholders and helps us reach more people with better services,” he said.
Board Chair Hassen Hussien added a governance lens:
“We’re not just growing. We’re becoming more transparent, more accountable, and more invested in the public.”
Why This Matters for Ethiopia
Capital markets aren’t just about numbers. They’re about unlocking dormant capital, disciplining governance, and diversifying funding sources in an economy where banks have done all the heavy lifting for far too long.
Ethiopia still lacks:
- A corporate bond market
- An active private equity sector
- A fully open capital account
That’s why even small listings like Gadaa’s carry symbolic weight. It’s a message to investors: “We’re open. We’re evolving.”
What’s Next?
Gadaa’s listing won’t solve ESX’s liquidity problem overnight. But every new listing adds momentum.
The Exchange, backed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Homegrown Economic Reform, is part of a broader push to:
- Privatize state enterprises
- Attract foreign capital
- Reduce central bank dependency
More public listings are in the pipeline. But for now, Gadaa Bank has taken its seat at the table — and raised the bar.
Source: Birrmetrics
