The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the country’s largest financial institution, has launched a new digital savings and loan service branded “CBE Beje”, marking another major step in the bank’s ongoing digital transformation strategy.
The launch event in Addis Ababa was attended by CBE President Abe Sano, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services Afereem Mekuria, and senior leaders from key public institutions and the private sector.
A New Milestone in CBE’s Digitalization Drive
Speaking at the ceremony, Afereem Mekuria said the bank is accelerating its shift toward technology-led service delivery, noting that “CBE is providing efficient and reliable banking solutions by continuously rolling out innovative digital services that save customers’ time.”
According to him, the new platform builds on CBE’s broader strategy to modernize its operations, automate credit assessment, and reduce the paperwork traditionally required for small personal loans.
Salary-Backed Digital Loans up to 150,000 Br
CBE Beje enables customers to access instant digital loans of up to 150,000 birr without collateral, a significant shift from Ethiopia’s collateral-dependent lending landscape.
However, access is currently limited to employees whose organizations have signed a salary-transfer agreement with CBE. Institutions must commit to paying monthly salaries through CBE accounts, ensuring a reliable repayment mechanism for the bank.
Afereem added that government employees will be prioritized, supported by awareness campaigns and dedicated onboarding arrangements across ministries and public agencies.
Strong Early Uptake: 1.6 Billion Br Disbursed in Two Months
CBE disclosed that the service has already shown strong demand:
- 478 companies have signed agreements with the bank.
- 83 institutions have started issuing loans to their employees through CBE Beje.
- A total of 1.6 billion birr in digital loans has been disbursed within just two months of the pilot rollout.
Bank officials say this confirms a substantial appetite for accessible, collateral-free credit—especially among salaried workers facing rising living costs and limited access to formal loans.
Transforming Retail Credit Through Digitization
Analysts note that CBE’s move signals a broader industry shift toward data-driven retail lending, mirroring fintech-led salary advance models in other African markets. By linking loan eligibility directly to verified salary inflows, the bank minimizes credit risk while expanding financial inclusion for low- and middle-income earners.
The tool also strengthens CBE’s competitive position as private banks and mobile money operators increasingly introduce digital micro-lending products.
CBE officials say more features will be integrated into CBE Beje, including automated savings plans, faster onboarding for organizations, and expanded eligibility criteria as digital credit scoring models mature.
For now, the bank expects the service to significantly boost its retail loan portfolio while supporting the government’s push for digital finance and cashless transactions.
