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ArifPay Launches Digital Switch for Microfinance Institutions


ArifPay Launches Digital Switch for Microfinance Institutions

ArifPay Financial Technologies has rolled out two products designed to plug the country's Microfinance Institutions (MFI) into the digital ecosystem, marking a shift from cash-driven operations. The announcements were made during the Arif Microfinance Summit, held in partnership with the Ethiopian Fintech Industry Transformation Forum. The centrepiece, the ArifPay MFI Switch, is presented as a secure infrastructure that will connect all MFIs directly to the national payment system, enabling real-time digital services. Through ArifPay’s digital wallet, clients will be able to manage accounts, access loans, and make electronic payments. The initiative targets the country’s vast MFI sector, which serves millions of low-income and rural households with limited digital access. ArifPay, employing more than 120 staff, currently handles transactions worth up to 680 million Br each day.

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Customs Commission Puts Government Transactions on Mesob

Public institutions must now process customs-related transactions through Mesob, a new electronic platform introduced to reduce manual procedures in government trade operations. The Customs Commission has directed the institutions to use the platform for customs clearance, transit processing, import and export procedures, transaction verification, and related services. Mesob became operational for public institutions on July 20, 2026, for customs services. Institutions must complete intern...


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Addis Grants Extra Month for Residential Lease Renewals

Lessors and tenants in Addis Abeba have an extra month to renew residential lease agreements after the City Administration extended the registration deadline from August 6 to September 5, 2026. The Addis Abeba Housing Development & Administration Bureauattributed the extension to public requests for more time. Officials said it would ease congestion at registration centres and allow residents to complete the process more conveniently. The renewal exercise began in early July, following...


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Government Procurement Goes Digital with 597b Br Turnover

More than 597 billion Br in government purchases passed through Ethiopia's electronic procurement platform during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, widening the use of digital systems in public finance. The platform was used by 172 federal institutions and 196 affiliated entities during the year. More than 135,000 suppliers were registered to provide goods and services through the system, which is intended to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement. The governmen...