Your weekly dose of Ethiopia’s sharpest business, economic, and finance news.
Grab your buna and catch up on what’s moving Ethiopia’s markets and economy this week.
International & Policy Updates
U.S. Ends TPS for Ethiopians
The United States has announced it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian nationals, citing improved conditions in Ethiopia. Originally granted in 2022 amid the Tigray conflict, TPS protection will officially end after a 60-day grace period. Affected individuals must leave or secure alternative legal status by 13 February 2026.
This move follows similar decisions affecting other African countries, including South Sudan, while Somalia and Sudan remain covered due to ongoing humanitarian crises.
Eritrea Withdraws from IGAD
Eritrea has officially withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), criticizing the bloc for acting against certain member states. The withdrawal ends Eritrea’s brief return to IGAD since 2023. IGAD expressed regret, noting Eritrea’s absence from recent activities and encouraging dialogue.
Deep-Dive
From Viral Fame to Real Fortune: Ethiopia’s TikTok Economy
TikTok is reshaping fame, business, and identity in Ethiopia. With creators gaining real economic power, the platform raises questions:
- What kind of content is rewarded?
- Is traditional media being left behind?
- How is society affected by viral fame? This deep dive explores the rise of Ethiopia’s TikTok economy and its societal impact. Read more
Banking & Finance
ZamZam Bank Declares First Dividend
ZamZam Bank announced its first-ever dividend after posting a pre-tax profit of 1.23 billion birr in 2024/25. Total assets rose to 16.6 billion birr and deposits to 11.6 billion birr, driven by rapid customer expansion and digital banking adoption. Its Ansur platform continues to support financial inclusion, particularly for women and youth.
Gadaa Bank Profit Jumps as Customer Base Doubles
Gadaa Bank reported a pre-tax profit of 444.8 million birr in 2024/25—a 339% year-on-year increase. Deposits reached 7.8 billion birr and total assets climbed to 10.1 billion birr. The customer base nearly doubled to 576,000, fueled by digital and omni-channel banking. Gadaa Bank is now the second commercial bank listed on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange.
Hibret Bank Profit Hit by FX Losses
Hibret Bank’s pre-tax profit fell 76% to 749 million birr after absorbing 3.76 billion birr in foreign exchange losses linked to Ethiopia’s market-based exchange rate. Despite this, revenue grew 26.6% and deposits increased 24% to 92.7 billion birr. The bank introduced management changes and tighter controls to adapt to the post-float environment.
DBE Overhauls Leadership Amid Governance Reforms
The Development Bank of Ethiopia has reshuffled top leadership to resolve internal disputes. Esayas Kassa (PhD) is now president, while Brook Taye (PhD), CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, becomes board chair. The move follows an EIH-led reform agenda aimed at restoring governance, improving performance, and aligning DBE with national development priorities.
Capital Markets & Regulation
Trading Unregistered Shares Now a Crime
The Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority (ECMA) declared trading or offering unregistered securities a criminal offense. Violators face 7–15 years in prison, fines between 150,000–300,000 birr, and potential executive suspensions or blacklisting. ECMA urges companies and the public to transact only through licensed brokers and authorized platforms. Read more
Digital Economy & Fintech
Hulubeje Crosses 5 Billion Transactions
Hulubeje, a fast-growing digital commerce and payments platform, processed over five billion transactions in under a year. Developed by Red Cloud ICT Solutions, it integrates e-commerce with a payment gateway used across hospitality, FMCG, manufacturing, and healthcare. Partnerships include telebirr, CBE, Bank of Abyssinia, M-Pesa, and EthSwitch. Source: Birrmetrics
Ethiopia Launches 5-Year Digital Payment Strategy
The National Digital Payment Strategy 2026–30 (NDPS 2.0) aims to build an inclusive, trusted, and integrated digital payments ecosystem. Mobile money users now total 136 million, with annual transactions hitting 9.6 trillion birr. The strategy emphasizes financial inclusion, innovation, and efficiency across all regions. Read more
Ethiopia Integrates Bank Accounts with National Digital ID
The National Bank of Ethiopia has begun full integration of all bank accounts with the Fayda Digital ID, a cornerstone of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative. The integration enables secure transfers, easier credit access, and stronger fraud prevention. Banks are migrating to the Verifayda 2 eKYC system, with full compliance required by March 30, 2018 E.C. Read more
Ethiopia’s Digital Leap: Insights from NBE Governor
NBE Governor Dr. Eyob Tekalign highlighted Ethiopia’s fintech surge: mobile money users grew from 2 million in 2020 to 140 million in 2025, with digital transactions at 18.5 trillion birr. The upcoming Digital Payments 2.0 strategy focuses on:
- B: Building interoperable infrastructure
- R: Reaching all Ethiopians for inclusion
- I: Increasing adoption while balancing cash-digital systems
- D: Developing digital capacity in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity
- G/E: Governance and regional integration Read more
Infrastructure & Transport
AfDB Approves $184m for Addis Ababa–Djibouti Corridor
The African Development Bank approved a $184 million grant to complete the 67-km Melka Jilo–Awash expressway, a critical missing link on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti transport corridor. The project promotes regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and skills programs for youth and women, supporting Ethiopia’s broader infrastructure and reform agenda.
Telecom & Technology
Standard Bank Backs Safaricom Ethiopia with $138m Facility
Standard Bank extended a $138 million financing facility to Safaricom Ethiopia (STEP) to accelerate network rollout and expansion. STEP now has over 10 million subscribers, signaling strong investor confidence. The facility underscores Standard Bank’s commitment to digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, and regional economic integration.
Mining & Commodities
Akobo Minerals Produces 21 kg Gold, Posts First Positive EBITDA
Akobo Minerals produced 21 kg of gold in Q3 2025, generating about USD 2.4 million in sales. The company reported a positive EBITDA of USD 730,000, the first in its history, and expects positive cash flow in Q4. A new vertical shaft under construction will boost output by mid-2026.
Energy & Fuel
Ethiopia Revises Fuel Prices Amid Subsidy Rollback
Effective December 1, 2025, Ethiopia increased retail prices for gasoline, white diesel, and kerosene to 129.12 birr per liter, while aviation fuel and black diesel remain unchanged. The adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing subsidy rollback and periodic pricing mechanism. Read more
Economy & International Finance
IMF Clears Way for $261 Million Disbursement
The IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Ethiopia on the fourth review of its $3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility, unlocking a $261 million tranche pending Executive Board approval. Total support under the program now stands at $2.13 billion, reinforcing Ethiopia’s macroeconomic and structural reforms. The IMF emphasized continued reform momentum and debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework. Read more
Education & Skills
Ethiopia Launches World Bank-Backed Accounting Institute
The Ethiopian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ETI-CPA) has been inaugurated with World Bank support. The institute enables youth to earn international accounting certifications locally, boosting employability and participation in the AfCFTA. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide described the initiative as a milestone in Ethiopia’s financial sector modernization. Read more
Stay tuned for next week’s insights, where we unpack more sectoral trends and policy moves shaping Ethiopia’s future.
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