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.
Telecom & Digital Economy
Ethio Telecom Expands Abroad Through CAMTEL Partnership
Ethio Telecom has signed a Master Service Agreement with Cameroon’s CAMTEL, marking its first major expansion beyond Ethiopia. The deal builds on earlier cooperation and supports Cameroon’s national digital transformation efforts.
Under the partnership, Ethio Telecom will help CAMTEL modernize networks, roll out digital financial services—including the Blue Money payment platform—upgrade 4G/5G infrastructure, digitize government services, and automate internal systems. Collaboration will also extend to enterprise solutions, cloud services, digital lifestyle offerings, and interconnect frameworks.
For CAMTEL, which operates a 15,000 km national fiber backbone and the country’s first Tier III data centre, the partnership aims to boost Cameroon’s digital economy. For Ethio Telecom, it aligns with its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 Strategy, signaling a push into regional markets.
Ethiopia Launches M-PESA Lehulum — Mobile Money for Any SIM
Ethiopia has launched M-PESA Lehulum, a fully telco-agnostic mobile money platform that works with any SIM card—marking a major step toward inclusive digital finance.
Users can register with any phone number and verify through Fayda Digital ID, gaining instant access to money transfers, bill payments, merchant payments, QR transactions, airtime purchases, overdraft via Errif Be M-PESA, and wallet-to-bank transfers through ETHSwitch. Built entirely by local engineers, the platform expands financial access nationwide. Read more
M-PESA Lehulum Temporarily Blocked on Ethio Telecom
The platform is currently inaccessible for Ethio Telecom mobile data, preventing logins and transactions. The app remains operational on other networks while the company works urgently to restore full access, coordinating with regulators. Read more
Ethswitch Nears Launch of International Settlement Account for Global Card Payments
Ethswitch is awaiting NBE approval to open a new International Settlement Account, which will enable Ethiopian cards to work in India and other linked countries and accept foreign currencies like the Indian rupee. The account will allow direct settlement of cross-border card transactions, marking a first in Ethiopia’s payment ecosystem and supporting international trade and investment. Source: Capital Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Mobile Money Users Hit 136 Million
Ethiopia’s mobile money ecosystem has grown explosively, reaching 136 million users in 2025, up from under one million just five years ago. Annual digital transactions surged to 9.6 trillion birr. Total bank deposits climbed to 3.55 trillion birr, with credit expanding to 3.24 trillion birr. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy aims for 70% adult account ownership by 2025. Source: Birrmetrics
Deep-Dive
Ethiopia’s Maritime Challenge: Diversifying Port Access
Ethiopia remains heavily dependent on Djibouti (95% of trade), costing $1.5 billion annually. A two-track strategy is underway: short-term expansion via Berbera Port and strengthened inland logistics, and long-term access to ports like Assab through leases, joint operations, or infrastructure swaps. Diversifying maritime routes is crucial for industrial growth, export competitiveness, and economic sovereignty. Read more
Banking & Finance
Oromia Bank Profit Surges 155% as NPLs Fall to 2.26%
Oromia Bank posted 2.6 billion birr pre-tax profit (+155%), with non-performing loans dropping to 2.26%. Total assets climbed 26% to 85.5 billion birr, deposits grew 22.1% to 6.9 million accounts, and paid-in capital reached 6.88 billion birr.
Digital services expanded to 5.7 million users, with Milkii app reaching 4.57 million users and supporting over 80,000 BNPL borrowers. The bank also advanced infrastructure projects in Goma Quteba, Gelan, Adama, and Jimma and contributed 22 million birr to community programs.
Sidama Bank Reports 126.9 Million Birr Pre-Tax Profit
Sidama Bank posted 126.9 million birr pre-tax profit (+91%). Total revenue rose to 597.5 million birr, deposits increased from 2.62 billion birr to 3.67 billion birr, and total assets more than doubled to 5.51 billion birr. The bank now operates 48 branches nationwide, blending commercial expansion with community-driven ownership.
Hibret Insurance Posts 1 Billion Birr Profit in 2024/25
Hibret Insurance reported 1 billion birr pre-tax profit (+79%) and net profit of 843 million birr (+48% EPS). Total premiums grew 40% to 2.75 billion birr, with non-life insurance contributing 2.57 billion birr. The company earned 544 million birr in net investment income, and insurance service revenue jumped 78% to 765 million birr. Paid-up capital stands at 1.34 billion birr, with total assets exceeding 6 billion birr.
Regulator Revokes 22 Betting Licences After 100 Billion Birr Mismanagement Probe
The Ethiopian Lottery Service revoked licences of 22 sports betting companies after uncovering over 100 billion birr in revenue mismanagement. Investigations involve national intelligence, financial security, federal police, and city administrations. The crackdown aims to safeguard government revenue, restore public trust, and improve transparency.
Capital Market
Four Companies to List Soon on Ethiopian Securities Exchange
Four new financial institutions are preparing to list on the ESX, bringing the total expected listings to at least nine by the end of the fiscal year. Over 70 companies are in the registration pipeline. Interbank trading has surged from 100 billion birr to the trillion-birr range, although public participation remains limited. Read more
Ethiopia’s Young Talent Takes Center Stage in Capital Market
Ethiopia held its first-ever Student Stock Pitch Competition at the second Ethiopian Capital Market Summit, organized by AfroAccess Investment Lab. Six university teams analyzed real companies, built valuation models, and pitched investment theses to professional judges. Winners received prizes and CFI courses. Read more
Infrastructure & Aviation
Ethiopia Secures $4.8B in Funding Commitments for Bishoftu Mega Airport
Ethiopia secured $4.8 billion in potential loans at the African Investment Forum for the planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport—set to become Africa’s largest, with capacity for 100 million passengers. Ethiopian Airlines will provide $3.2 billion in equity, with additional financing through securitisation, guarantees, and private sources.
The airport is envisioned as a continental logistics hub aligned with Ethiopia’s economic reforms, AfCFTA ambitions, and regional integration efforts. Source: Addis Fortune
AfDB Approves $214.47M for South Sudan–Ethiopia–Djibouti Corridor Expansion
The African Development Bank approved $214.47 million for phase two of the transport corridor, with Ethiopia receiving $181.5 million to build a 67km expressway, upgrade 50km of feeder roads, and deploy intelligent transport systems. The project supports regional connectivity, trade, and skills development for 300 women and youth. Source: Addis Fortune
Economy & Policy
Ethiopia Targets Mid-2026 to Complete Debt Restructuring
Ethiopia aims to finalize its debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework by mid-2026. Progress has been made with official creditors, including China and France, while private bondholder negotiations continue. IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke praised Ethiopia’s reforms, projecting over 7% economic growth for 2025–26. Read more
World Bank Warns Developing Nations Still Face Debt Pressures
Developing countries remain vulnerable despite easing global financial conditions. In 2024, interest payments hit $415.4 billion, and debt-servicing gaps reached $741 billion—the highest in over 50 years. Emerging markets face refinancing risks amid high interest rates (~10%) and short maturities. Read more
Industry & E-Commerce
Ministry of Industry and Ethio Telecom Launch “E-Tamirt” B2B E-Commerce Platform
The Ministry of Industry, in partnership with Ethio Telecom, launched E-Tamirt, a B2B platform connecting manufacturers and streamlining input access for domestic and African markets. The platform aims to boost production capacity, foster innovation, and support Ethiopia’s manufacturing-driven economic shift. Read more
Forex & Currency
Birr Slides to 154.4 per USD in 11th NBE Forex Auction
The Ethiopian Birr weakened sharply to 154.4 per USD, down from 148.1 a month ago and 138.2 two months ago—an 11.7% drop. The trend highlights growing pressure on Ethiopia’s FX market despite NBE’s auction system. 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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