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The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has released an official notice dated August 19, 2026, announcing a special foreign exchange auction. The auction is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
According to the official announcement, the central bank is making $500 million available to the market. The NBE stated that this special auction is being conducted for monetary policy purposes.
Auction Operational Details
Participating financial institutions must adhere to the specific guidelines outlined by the NBE:
- Total Allotment: $500 Million
- Date of Execution: Thursday, August 20, 2026
- Submission Platform: CSD-Based FX Auction System
- Timeframe for Bids: 10:00 AM — 12:00 NOON
- Results Publication: 3:00 PM
- Financial Settlement: End of day, August 20, 2026
Macroeconomic Context
The NBE utilizes foreign exchange auctions to supply the private sector with foreign currency and to fulfill its broader monetary policy objectives. The central bank has been conducting series of foreign exchange auctions to ensure continued stability in Ethiopia’s foreign exchange market. These market operations are part of a comprehensive program of macroeconomic reforms that the country launched in July 2024.
Since the implementation of these reforms, the NBE has reported steady improvements in Ethiopia’s balance of payments, supported by rising exports, increased remittances, and higher capital inflows.
