Ethiopia’s nascent capital market took another step toward digitalization as the Ethiopian Securities Exchange launched its first web and mobile trading platform, “Neway,” aimed at expanding public access to the country’s emerging securities market.

The platform, developed through a partnership with technology provider Infotech Private Limited, integrates directly with the Exchange’s Broker Back Office and Order Management System used by licensed trading members. The integration allows brokerage firms to streamline client onboarding, order management, and reporting processes, according to the Exchange.

The mobile application enables investors to open trading accounts remotely, monitor market activity, execute equity and fixed-income trades, and track their portfolios in real time. Officials say the platform is designed to accommodate both first-time investors and experienced market participants.

The rollout comes as Ethiopia accelerates efforts to build a functioning capital market infrastructure after formally establishing the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. By lowering entry barriers and reducing transaction costs, the Exchange expects the platform to increase retail participation and deepen liquidity in the market.

“The launch of ‘Neway’ represents a significant milestone in our journey to build a world-class securities exchange,” said Tilahun Esmael Kassahun, chief executive officer of the Exchange. The name “Neway,” which translates to wealth or asset, reflects the platform’s goal of broadening financial participation, he said.

“With the launch of ‘Neway,’ investors can now access the market anytime and anywhere. By putting the market in the hands of every Ethiopian, we are empowering them to participate directly in the country’s economic growth while making capital market participation more inclusive, transparent and efficient,” Kassahun said.

The launch also underscores broader momentum in Ethiopia’s financial sector reforms. Authorities have recently licensed several investment banks and securities dealers, part of efforts to establish a full ecosystem around the new exchange.

According to the Exchange, nine securities investment advisers and five investment banks are currently operational under four distinct licensing categories, marking the early stages of Ethiopia’s effort to develop a modern capital market capable of mobilizing domestic savings and channeling them into long-term investment.