The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has officially upgraded the Ethiopian Automated Transfer System (EATS), the country’s Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform, to align with the ISO 20022 messaging standard, effective March 29, 2025. Handling more than 3.5 million transactions a year worth over five trillion Br, EATS is a critical component of the country’s financial ecosystem. It enables real-time, high-value settlements among 35 financial institutions, including commercial banks and microfinance entities. Operating ten hours daily from Monday to Saturday, the system supports smooth and immediate interbank transactions. The upgrade marks a significant milestone in the financial sector, introducing advanced messaging formats, improved security protocols, and enhanced liquidity management tools. These changes are expected to boost both the efficiency and resilience of the payment system. NBE underscored its ongoing commitment to modernising financial infrastructure to support economic growth and maintain systemic stability. The project is supported by Montran, a global fintech provider and early adopter of ISO 20022. With a presence in over 90 countries, Montran delivers real-time solutions to central banks, financial institutions, and clearinghouses worldwide. This transition positions Ethiopia to meet international standards while strengthening the foundation for a more secure, transparent, and digitally-driven financial system.
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