As Ethiopia’s financial sector modernizes and expands, more Ethiopians are gaining access to a once-unreachable world: stock market investing. With the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) now operational and CBE Capital acting as a licensed broker, individuals can officially begin buying and selling securities—right from home or through designated channels.

If you’re new to this game and wondering how to trade on the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s investment arm (CBE Capital), here’s a detailed but digestible guide—plus a clear breakdown of the fees involved so you don’t get caught off guard.

🏦 What Is CBE Capital?

CBE Capital is the investment banking and brokerage arm of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). It facilitates trades on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, giving retail and institutional investors access to:

• Equities (stocks)
• Bonds (corporate, treasury, and state-level)
• Mutual Funds & ETFs
• Sukuks (Sharia-compliant investment instruments)
• Commercial Papers

🚀 How to Start Trading

1. Open a CBE Capital Investment Account
   • Visit the nearest CBE Capital office or apply online (once digital onboarding is fully rolled out).
   • Submit required KYC documents (ID, TIN, proof of address, etc.).
2. Fund Your Account
   • Deposit funds via your CBE bank account or directly into your brokerage account.
3. Choose What to Invest In
   • Equities for long-term growth
   • Treasury Bonds or Bills for safety and stability
   • Mutual Funds/ETFs for diversification
   • Corporate Bonds or Commercial Papers for fixed income
   • Sukuks for Sharia-compliant investment
4. Place Your Order
   • Orders can be made online, via phone, or in person (depending on what CBE Capital currently supports).
   • Choose the market: Main, Growth, OTC, etc.
5. Track and Manage Your Investments
   • Use CBE Capital platforms or tools (when fully launched) to monitor your portfolio.

💸 What Does It Cost to Trade?

Here’s a breakdown of all the transaction fees, so you know what portion of your money goes where.

✅ CBE Capital Commissions (Your Broker’s Cut)

Security Type	Fee (% of transaction value)
Equities (Main & Growth market)	1.6%
OTC / Unlisted Equities	2%
Mutual Funds & ETFs	2%
Corporate Bonds	0.1%
Treasury Bills & Bonds (GoE)	0.1%
Commercial Papers	0.1%
Sub-National (State/Local) Bonds	0.1%
Sukuks	0.1%

📊 Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) Transaction Fees

Collected by CBE Capital on behalf of the ESX:

Security Type	ESX Fee
Equities (Main & Growth)	0.36%
OTC / Unlisted Equities	0.5%
Mutual Funds & ETFs	0.36%
Bonds (Corporate, Treasury, etc.)	0.021%
Sukuks, Commercial Paper	0.021%

🏛️ Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) Fees

Also collected via CBE Capital:

Security Type	ECMA Fee
Equities	0.15%
Fixed Income	0.005%

🔐 Central Securities Depository (CSD) Fees

Still to be determined (TBD).

These fees will cover the secure holding of your assets (your “digital vault”).

🧾 Local Example: Salem’s First Investment in Ethiopia’s Stock Market

Let’s say Salem, a 29-year-old graphic designer living in Addis Ababa, hears about the Ethiopian Securities Exchange launching and decides to dip her toes in.

She opens an account at CBE Capital and deposits 10,000 ETB to buy shares of a tech startup that’s newly listed on the Main Market.

Here’s how her transaction breaks down:

Fee Type	Rate	Amount
CBE Capital Commission	1.6%	160 ETB
ESX Transaction Fee	0.36%	36 ETB
ECMA Fee	0.15%	15 ETB
Total Fees	2.11%	211 ETB

So instead of buying the full 10,000 ETB worth of shares, Salem ends up investing 9,789 ETB after fees. It’s not a huge cost, but it’s important to account for it.

Salem then tracks her shares weekly. Over three months, her stock gains 12% in value. Her investment grows to about 10,965 ETB, showing her that with a little research and patience, her money can grow without sitting idle in a savings account.

⚠️ Tips Before You Dive In

• Start small: Use your first trades to learn the system.
• Understand risk: Stocks can rise and fall—do your homework.
• Diversify: Don’t put all your money in one type of asset.
• Watch the fees: High-fee assets (like unlisted markets and mutual funds) can eat into your returns.

📲 Where to Learn More

Follow CBE Capital’s official site, social media, or visit a nearby CBE branch. Training sessions, webinars, and guides will also roll out as the market matures.

Bottom Line? Ethiopia is entering a new financial era, and retail investors finally have a seat at the table. Whether you’re a student, employee, or diaspora returnee, trading through CBE Capital is now a real possibility—just be smart about it.