AfDB Backs Dashen Bank with $40m for Trade Finance


Executives of Dashen Bank have secured a 40 million dollar transaction guarantee facility from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The funding is expected to boost import and export trade for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and local corporations and contribute to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting intra-Africa trade. Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, praised the value of supporting SMEs in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. He said the partnership with AfDB is a substantial step in their effort to become an industry leader. "This is instrumental in expanding our trade services regionally," he said. Dashen is one of the leading commercial banks in the country. The AfDB will provide a full guarantee to confirming banks for non-payment risks arising from Letters of Credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by Dashen Bank. According to Nnenna Nwabufo, AfDB Director General for East Africa, trade finance is crucial for economic growth and cross-border trade, especially in emerging markets. "We are thrilled to partner with a leading institution with deep knowledge of the Ethiopian market," she said


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...