The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has released the official list of financial institutions authorized to provide money remittance and transfer services in the country, reaffirming that any unlicensed operation in this sector is illegal and punishable by law.
In its announcement, the NBE emphasized that only licensed financial institutions are permitted to receive or send funds both domestically and internationally. The Bank warned that engaging with unapproved money transfer agents exposes individuals and businesses to potential fraud, financial loss, and money laundering risks.
“Remittance and transfer services must be conducted only through NBE-licensed institutions to ensure safety, compliance, and protection from legal consequences,” the statement said.
The following institutions are among those officially authorized by the NBE to provide money remittance and transfer services as of April 1, 2025:
Major Licensed Operators
Telebirr Remit, Western Union International, MoneyGram, RIA Financial Services, WorldRemit Ltd, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd, Onafriq, Zeepay Ghana Ltd, Small World Financial Services, Wise Trading, Safari M-Pesa, and Paypal Inc.
Other Approved Institutions Include:
Adale Dawit Dagnachew, Africa Rapid Transfer, Afriex Inc, AGPAYTECH Ltd, AL Amal Express Exchange, Arif Remit, Awash Direct LLC, Bakaal Express, Bole Atlantic International, Crown Agents Bank Ltd, Exchange4Free Ltd, Fastpay LLC, Flex Money Transfer Ltd, Golden Money Transfer Inc, Iftin Express Ltd, Lulu Money (Singapore) PTE Ltd, Mojo Money Transfer LLC, Okapi Finance Holding AB, Swiss Remit Money Transfer, TAPTAP Send UK Ltd, Tayo Exchange & Money Transfer Ltd, and Unity Link, among others.
The central bank’s move aims to promote transparency and consumer protection in Ethiopia’s growing remittance sector, which plays a crucial role in foreign exchange earnings.
Citizens are strongly advised to verify that the service providers they use appear on the NBE’s official list of licensed operators. Any suspicious or unlicensed remittance activities should be reported directly to the National Bank via complaintoffice@nbe.gov.et or by calling 6230.
This latest publication reinforces the NBE’s commitment to maintaining a secure, regulated, and trustworthy financial ecosystem that supports Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms.
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