The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued a public awareness notice warning customers, members of the Ethiopian diaspora and the general public against using unlicensed money transfer agents and illegal Hawala networks.

The central bank said unauthorized remittance operators are prohibited under Ethiopian law and may expose both senders and recipients to significant financial and regulatory risks.

The warning comes as remittance transactions increase during the period. The NBE urged the public to use only licensed remittance channels when sending or receiving funds.

According to the NBE, transactions through unauthorized operators could result in financial losses, payment delays, account restrictions and potential legal or regulatory action against senders, recipients or family members receiving funds.

NBE Names Unauthorized Operators

The central bank identified the following entities, among others, as unauthorized operators:

  • Adulis Money Transfer (ADZ)
  • Amal Express
  • Amal USA
  • Amana Express
  • Avanti
  • Awash Direct
  • Bakaal Money Transfer
  • Jubba Express
  • Rasmy Pay
  • Ramad Pay / Ramada Pay (Kaah)
  • Shgey Money Transfer
  • Taaj Financial Service
  • Tasa Pay
  • Tawakal Money Services
  • USwyre
  • World Direct Link
  • Zola

The NBE emphasized that these entities are not authorized to provide remittance services to Ethiopia.

The central bank advised customers to verify that their chosen remittance provider appears on the official list of NBE-licensed Money Transfer Agents before sending funds, stressing that the use of authorized channels helps ensure remittances are delivered securely and efficiently.