State-owned Interest-Free Banking Marks a Decade


State-owned Interest-Free Banking Marks a Decade

An interest-free banking service provided by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. CBE Noor amassed 98 billion Br in deposits, with a network of 1,934 branches nationwide and approximately 6.4 million customers. Globally, the interest-free banking sector possesses an asset size of four trillion dollars. Executives disclosed that CBE Noor has contributed significantly to this scale, experiencing an average 126pc annual growth rate from deposit and investment accounts, financing and lending services, guaranteeing services, international trade support, money transfer, foreign exchange, and digital banking services. Yasmin Wahrebi, the deputy CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holding Group, emphasised that over 20 banks offer interest-free banking services, while four are full-fledged Islamic banks.

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Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


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Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

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Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...