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.
Capital Market & Finance
AfDB Grants Ethiopia $400K to Strengthen Capital Market
The African Development Bank awarded Ethiopia a $400K grant to support the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) and the upcoming Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX). The funds will establish a public disclosure platform and introduce new products, including ETFs, sukuks, and green bonds, aiming to enhance transparency, attract investment, and diversify financing options. Read more
Ethiopian Securities Exchange Appoints New Board
The ESX has named a new Board of Directors to guide Ethiopia’s first stock market launch. Dr. Brook Taye will serve as Chairperson, with Mr. Helaway Tadesse as Deputy Chair. The board brings deep expertise in finance, economics, and corporate governance, signaling a commitment to a transparent and inclusive capital market. Read more
World Bank–IMF Warn Ethiopia’s Debt “Unsustainable”
A joint report by the World Bank and IMF declares Ethiopia’s external debt unsustainable, citing missed Eurobond payments and debt distress. The institutions urge reforms, fiscal consolidation, and creditor relief. An agreement under the G20 Common Framework could reduce risks by 2027/28, but failure to act may exacerbate liquidity and solvency pressures. Read more
Equity Bank Eyes Ethiopian Market Entry
Kenya’s Equity Bank is moving to establish operations in Ethiopia following banking sector liberalization. With low banking penetration and a population of 120 million, the market offers significant growth potential. The move comes after new legislation allowing foreign banks to set up subsidiaries or acquire stakes in local institutions.
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Banking & Fintech
Coop Bank Wins Global Award for SME Financing
Cooperative Bank of Oromia was named Sustainable SME Financier of the Year at the 2025 Global SME Finance Forum. Its Michu Digital Lending Platform has issued 2.4M loans to MSMEs—primarily women- and youth-led—boosting financial inclusion, job creation, and enterprise growth in Ethiopia. Read more
Siinqee Bank Launches Mastercard Prepaid Cards
Siinqee Bank has launched Mastercard-branded prepaid cards, powered by Premier Switch Solutions (PSS), enabling secure digital payments domestically and abroad. As the first bank outside PSS’s core network to offer Mastercard services, Siinqee advances its digital transformation and Ethiopia’s push toward inclusive finance. Read more
Economy & Policy
Dr. Eyob Tekalegn Appointed NBE Governor
Dr. Eyob Tekalegn, former State Minister of Finance, is Ethiopia’s new National Bank Governor following Mamo Mihretu’s resignation. A seasoned economist with international experience, Dr. Eyob assumes leadership at a critical time as Ethiopia manages high inflation and debt restructuring. Read more
U.S. Extends Sanctions on Ethiopia Through 2026
The United States has extended AGOA-related sanctions on Ethiopia for another year, citing conflict, instability, and human rights concerns. The measures have disrupted trade, causing company closures, job losses for over 11,000 workers, and $45M in industrial park losses.
Trade, Transport & Infrastructure
Ethiopia Expands Shipping Fleet with Six New Ships
State-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) added six vessels to strengthen import capacity, reduce reliance on foreign carriers, and cut costs, boosting the country’s regional and international trade competitiveness. Read more
Ethio-Djibouti Railway Turns Profitable
Africa’s first electrified railway, the $4B Ethio-Djibouti line, posted its first profit since 2018 after Ethiopia and Djibouti took over operations in 2024. Cargo volume has quadrupled to 6M tonnes annually, now transporting 90% of Ethiopia’s exports. Challenges remain, including power shortages and repair needs. Source: EBR
Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports
To stimulate lake-based tourism and local economies, Ethiopia is allowing duty-free import of motorboats for one year. The initiative encourages investment in tourism, fishing, transport, and research, with a focus on sustainable and solar-powered boats.
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Agriculture & Exports
Ethiopia’s Coffee Sector Faces Shake-Up
A new ECTA directive raises capital requirements for exporters and tightens quality controls to curb contraband and enhance Ethiopia’s coffee reputation. While the reforms may attract investors and improve standards, small and mid-sized exporters risk being squeezed out, potentially concentrating the market and affecting farmers’ bargaining power. Read more
International Relations & Development
China Grants Ethiopia $1.6B in Development Support
Ethiopia received $1.6B in grants and interest-free loans from China for projects in health, agriculture, education, and humanitarian aid. The package also includes training for over 20,000 Ethiopians. Both countries reaffirmed cooperation under FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and BRICS. Source: EBR
Financial Integrity & Regulation
Ethiopia Cracks Down on Illegal FX Trading
The Financial Intelligence Service froze 123 bank accounts tied to black-market forex operations, responding to NBE warnings against unlicensed remittance services. Investigations may extend to banking professionals as the government tightens oversight of illicit currency flows.
Stay tuned for next week’s insights, where we unpack more sectoral trends and policy moves shaping Ethiopia’s future.
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Stay curious, stay caffeinated, — Written by the StockMarket.et Newsroom
