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AfDB Backs Dashen Bank with $40m for Trade Finance


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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


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Association Reports Largely Peaceful Vote, Flags Gender Gaps, Registration Issues

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) says the 7th National and Regional Elections held on June 1, 2026 were largely peaceful, orderly, and transparent, based on its preliminary monitoring report. Deploying 60 observers across 136 polling stations in nine regions and two city administrations, EWLA's Violence Against Women in Elections (VAW-E) mission found strong voter protection measures, with 92.5pc of stations prioritising pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, and persons...


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ESL Prepares to Launch Full Digital Logistics Platform

Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics (ESL) is finalising plans to roll out a comprehensive digital service platform aimed at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining maritime trade operations. Under its “Digital ESL” initiative, the system will allow importers and commercial clients to handle key services online, including freight inquiries, vessel bookings, and access to customs and tariff information, removing the need for physical office visits. The platform will also integrate digital p...


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Ministry of Revenues Reports High Number of Digital Tax Payments

The Ministry of Revenues reported over 281 billion Br collected through its electronic payment platform in the first 10 months of 2026. Elsabeth Ashenafi said the record digital inflow reflects a steady shift of taxpayers from cash and cheque-based settlements to online systems, supported by ongoing reforms to improve compliance and reduce administrative bottlenecks. Officials attribute the growth to the efficiency and convenience of the e-payment system, which allows taxpayers to file and...