The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has officially announced the results of its latest foreign exchange auction, conducted today as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to manage foreign currency allocation and stabilize the domestic forex market.

According to the central bank, a total of 13 commercial banks participated in the auction. The process resulted in an average exchange rate of 154.7747 birr per US dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the Ethiopian birr amid persistent foreign exchange shortages and rising demand for hard currency.

Context: Continued Pressure on the Birr

The latest auction outcome highlights the sustained depreciation trend of the birr observed in recent months. Since the introduction of the foreign exchange auction mechanism, the NBE has sought to narrow the gap between official and parallel market rates while improving transparency in forex allocation. However, demand for dollars—driven by imports, external debt servicing, and inflationary pressures—continues to outpace supply.

Market observers note that the auction rate underscores broader structural challenges in the economy, including limited export earnings, rising import bills, and constrained foreign exchange inflows. The auction system, while providing a market-based price discovery mechanism, has also revealed the depth of forex scarcity facing the banking sector.

Central Bank’s Position

In its statement, the National Bank of Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the auction-based foreign exchange allocation system. The Bank confirmed that it will conduct another foreign exchange auction in the next two weeks, in line with its previously announced biweekly schedule.

The NBE emphasized that the auctions are intended to support macroeconomic stability, enhance competitiveness, and ensure a more efficient distribution of limited foreign exchange resources among commercial banks.

Implications for the Economy

The depreciation reflected in the auction rate is likely to have mixed implications for the economy. While a weaker birr may improve export competitiveness over the long term, it also raises the cost of imports, contributing to inflationary pressures—particularly for fuel, industrial inputs, and consumer goods.

For businesses and consumers, the outcome signals continued volatility in foreign exchange conditions, while for policymakers, it reinforces the urgency of boosting export performance, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening foreign currency reserves.

As the National Bank prepares for the next auction, market participants will be closely watching whether future rounds bring greater stability—or further adjustments—in Ethiopia’s foreign exchange landscape.