Business

National Bank of Ethiopia Holds Policy Rate at 15% to Curb Inflation and Boost Stability

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2024The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) held its inaugural meeting to evaluate the nation’s macroeconomic landscape and chart an effective monetary policy course. In a period marked by fiscal and global economic challenges, the MPC’s deliberations and subsequent decisions aim to balance price stability and

December 31, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Tax and Tensions: Ethiopia’s Car Market Faces Unprecedented Challenges

After the shift to a market-based foreign exchange system, importers have become one of the hardest-hit groups in Ethiopia’s economy. The floating exchange rate has triggered sharp and unpredictable currency fluctuations, driving up the cost of acquiring foreign currency and creating immense financial pressure.  Car importers, added to this tension, are facing excessive taxation, further

December 31, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

ZamZam Bank, an Emerging Bank, Weighs In on What Foreign Bank Entry Means for Ethiopia

This year, Ethiopia’s economy will invite optimistic phenomena as the nation takes bold steps to reshape its financial landscape. The shift to a floating exchange rate marks a pivotal moment, fostering transparency and encouraging investor confidence. Alongside this, the establishment of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange is set to open new doors for businesses and investors,

December 30, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Ethiopian Airlines Among Five Sanctioned for Passenger Rights Violations by NCAA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Ethiopian Airlines alongside four other carriers for breaching passenger rights, marking a significant regulatory intervention aimed at safeguarding air travelers during the peak holiday season. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most prestigious carrier, was implicated in violations of NCAA regulations under Part 19, which govern passenger rights.

December 27, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Chinese EV Giant BYD Enters Ethiopian Market with Electric Vehicles

BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially announced its entry into the Ethiopian market. The company unveiled its brand at a launch event in Addis Ababa, organized in partnership with Moenco, a subsidiary of Inchcape PLC, a London-based distributor specializing in premium automotive services. In a statement shared via social media, BYD

December 26, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Amhara Bank Sets Sights on Investment Banking, Poised to Transform Ethiopia’s Financial Landscape

Amhara Bank is taking a bold step forward by venturing into investment banking services, signaling its ambition to play a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s emerging capital markets. This strategic move positions the bank as a key player in the nation’s financial evolution, aiming to provide tailored solutions for both businesses and individual investors. The announcement

December 25, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Ethiopia Excluded from AGOA for Third Consecutive Year

The United States has announced that Ethiopia will remain ineligible for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits in 2025, marking the third consecutive year the country has been excluded from the program. The decision was confirmed in a statement released on December 21, 2024, by USTR Spokesperson Sam Michel, following the annual AGOA

December 25, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

World Bank Approves $700 Million Boost for Ethiopia’s Financial Sector

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2024 – Ethiopia’s financial system is set to receive a transformative boost following the World Bank’s approval of a $700 million credit for the Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP). This ambitious initiative, funded through the International Development Association (IDA), aims to fortify the stability and resilience of Ethiopia’s financial sector, laying the

December 21, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

Amhara Bank Urges Local Banks to Merge Amid Foreign Banks’ Entry

On December 18, 2024, Ethiopia’s parliament ratified a landmark banking proclamation allowing foreign banks to operate within the country. This move represents a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms, enabling foreign banks to establish subsidiaries, open branches, and acquire up to 40% ownership in local banks. The decision to open the banking sector to

December 20, 2024 • By Addis Insight

Business

National Bank of Ethiopia Launches Platform for Customer Complaints

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has introduced an online platform and a dedicated hotline (7230) to assist customers in lodging complaints against financial institutions. This initiative reflects NBE’s commitment to addressing common issues in the financial sector, such as aggressive sales practices, deceptive advertising, and inadequate transparency, as detailed in a

December 20, 2024 • By Addis Insight