The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has officially launched the enhanced Ethiopian Automated Transfer System (EATS), a landmark upgrade that now operates using the internationally recognized ISO 20022 messaging standard. This significant development represents a pivotal step forward in the modernization of Ethiopia’s national payment infrastructure, aligning it with global best practices in financial communication and transaction processing.

The adoption of ISO 20022—a flexible and data-rich messaging framework—brings substantial improvements to the country’s high-value interbank payment system. It enhances not only the speed and reliability of transactions but also strengthens security protocols, reducing risks associated with data misinterpretation and fraud. By enabling more structured, detailed, and transparent payment information, the new system is poised to support better reconciliation, streamlined operations, and more informed financial oversight.

Currently, more than 35 financial institutions across Ethiopia are integrated into the upgraded EATS platform, underscoring its central role in the country’s financial ecosystem. This broad participation reflects a collective commitment within Ethiopia’s banking sector to foster a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready financial environment. The modernization of EATS is expected to significantly bolster interbank collaboration, facilitate more robust liquidity management, and support the broader goals of financial inclusion and economic growth.

With this launch, the National Bank of Ethiopia reinforces its vision of establishing a dynamic and secure payment landscape that can adapt to the evolving needs of businesses, consumers, and the broader economy.