ADDIS ABABA / DUBAI – Sept. 1, 2025 – The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has rolled out a new ETB 50 billion loan package designed specifically for the Ethiopian diaspora, aiming to strengthen ties with citizens abroad while boosting investment flows into the country.

The program, unveiled in Dubai during a gathering with community members from Dubai and the Northern Emirates, will provide long-term loans at preferential interest rates to support real estate purchases, business investments, and vehicle acquisitions.

CBE President Abe Sano, who led the delegation, described the initiative as a key pillar of the bank’s ongoing reform agenda. “Our focus is to expand diaspora-tailored services that not only enhance financial inclusion but also create tangible pathways for Ethiopians abroad to invest back home,” he said.

Alongside the loan scheme, the package includes expanded savings products and more efficient international transfer services. Vice President Nuri Hussien emphasized that the reforms are aimed at making CBE more competitive and accessible for the diaspora community.

The launch event, held in partnership with Ethiopia’s Consular Office in Dubai, attracted over 200 participants. Attendees discussed both opportunities and persistent challenges in accessing Ethiopian banking services, underscoring the importance of diaspora engagement in the country’s financial sector.