Zemen Bank Expands Reach with Dutch Businesses Partnership

Aug 25 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Zemen Bank expands its network with over 75 Dutch businesses operating in Ethiopia, signing an associate membership agreement with their lobby group last week. According to Asrat Tadesse, from Zemen Bank, the partnership is expected to prop Ethiopian Netherlands Business Association members with innovative financial products while expanding the reach of the institution. He noted Zemen's successful alliances with both domestic and international companies in horticulture, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2013 under the auspices of the Dutch Embassy, the Association represents over 75 Dutch businesses operating in Ethiopia, including 17 flower exporters. The agreement was signed with Hayo Hamster, board chairman of the Association, at the Bank's headquarters on Ras Abebe Aregay St. Zemen Bank has solidified its presence in the financial industry since 2008 with strong performance. During the 2022/23 fiscal year, the Bank's capital and non-distributable reserves increased by 37.4pc to 7.13 billion Br, while its profit grew by 22.3pc to 1.81 billion Br. Zemen's loan and deposit portfolios have also expanded with total loans and advances reaching 31.39 billion Br, representing a growth of 48.6pc, while total deposits increased by 38pc to 37 billion Br.


Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hyatt Regency Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...