Central Bank Introduces Maiden Directive to Govern Reinsurance

Mar 19 , 2022


Regulators at the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) have introduced their first-ever directive to govern licensed reinsurance firms. Reinsurance firms were previously governed using directives drafted for the insurance industry. The new directive, which came into force on March 1, 2022, introduces new rules for reinsurance companies. They are required to submit audited financial statements and other supporting documents within 90 days of the end of the financial year, while they are obliged to provide thorough semi-annual reports as well. The directive stipulates that the firms' invested funds be no less than 60pc of total assets in treasury bills (T-bills) and bank deposits. Ethiopian Reinsurance (Ethio-Re), incorporated in 2016, is the sole reinsurance provider. All of the 17 insurance firms transfer five percent of all insurance policies to Ethio-Re, 25pc of treaty sessions, and policy coverages assigned to other reinsurers.


Radar

Parliament Reviews Bill Allowing Foreign Property Ownership

A draft proclamation that would allow foreigners to own or occupy immovable property in Ethiopia has been submitted to parliament by the Council of Ministers. Designed to attract foreign investment, the draft law plans to ensure that Ethiopian citizens retain their right to land ownership and use. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the draft was among six agenda items discussed and approved during the Council's regular session held on May 2, 2025. The proclamation is e...


Radar

Speeding in the Spotlight as New Safety Drive Begins

The Road Safety and Insurance Fund Service has stated that drivers are responsible for 68 percent of traffic accidents in Ethiopia, with the remainder mainly caused by pedestrians and road conditions. On this topic, the service launched a one-month mass media campaign on last week focused on raising awareness about speeding, the leading cause of traffic accidents. The campaign, under the motto "Slow Down, Speeding Ruins Lives," plans to shed light on the dangers of speeding. Yohannes Lemma, E...


Radar

Askari Metals Secures Five Gold Licenses in Untapped Adola Belt

Askari Metals has acquired 100pc of Rift Valley Metals, gaining five gold exploration licences covering 460sqkm in Ethiopia's Adola Greenstone Belt, part of the southern Arabian-Nubian Shield, a mineral-rich but underexplored region. "The exploration areas—Sakaro, Sakaro West, Lega Dembi South, Megado, and Wayu Boda—lie near Ethiopia's top gold mines, including Lega Dembi and Sakaro, which have produced over three million ounces of gold. The area is known for orogenic gold systems hosted...