AfDB Backs Dashen Bank with $40m for Trade Finance


[ssba-buttons]

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 Unveils Consortium to Insure Millions of Farmers

Ethiopia has launched its Agricultural Insurance Consortium (AICE), pledging to protect three million farmers by 2026. Announced on July 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, the initiative is backed by Pula Advisors and five major Ethiopian insurers. AICE plans to promote climate resilience through insurance bundled with the government's input voucher system. Leveraging AI platforms like Mavuno and PIE, it plans to standardise products, lower costs, and expand coverage to over 200 woredas. With agricu...


Radar

New Coopbank Partnership Targets Youth Economic Empowerment

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) has signed a strategic agreement with Melka Ethiopia to provide loan services to over 120,000 young men and women nationwide. The partnership plans to promote youth economic empowerment by expanding access to finance and creating jobs, with a strong focus on rural and underserved areas. Both institutions held joint discussions to explore ways to improve youth livelihoods and financial inclusion. By closing access gaps, the partnership is expected to help...


Radar

Ethiopian Netpreneur Program Training Kicks Off

The Ethiopian Netpreneur 2025 Training Program has officially launched its first cohort in Addis Abeba with 64 entrepreneurs beginning their first round of training. Organised by the Global Digital Talent Academy, the initiative plans to empower local business owners, startup founders, and digital sector players with global-level e-commerce skills. At the launch event, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Mola (PhD) urged participants to leverage the opportunity to build networks and shape...