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COOP Bank, Kifya Launch Digital Uncollateralised Lending Platform


COOP Bank, Kifya Launch Digital Uncollateralised Lending Platform

The Cooperative Bank of Oromia and Kifya Financial Technologies have partnered to launch an uncollateralised digital lending platform dubbed 'Michu.' The platform offers loans and overdraft facilities mostly catered towards providing credit access to micro, small, and medium businesses (MSMEs). The Bank is offering a maximum of 30,000 Br in credit with a repayment period of one to four months. "We're excited to join hands with Kifiya as we expand our digital financial offerings and deliver support to the financing needs of micro and small businesses that are often neglected but represent a significant part of the economy,” said Deribie Asfaw, CEO of the Cooperative Bank of Oromia. Powered by Kifya's Qena technology, the platform will use an AI-enabled credit scoring system. Kifiya Financial Technologies was incorporated in 2010 and has been operational since 2013 developing digital payment solutions. The Cooperative Bank has 1.7 million subscribers and over 18,000 merchants accepting payments through its mobile money platform.

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Annual U.S.–Ethiopia Real Estate Expo to Debut in July

Harvest Circle Inc., a U.S.-based organisation, will launch the first annual U.S.-Ethiopia Real Estate & Construction Expo in July 2026. The event will bring together Ethiopian and U.S. real estate developers, construction firms, banks, insurers, property managers, and investors to explore partnership, financing, and investment opportunities. Organisers say the platform seeks to promote private sector-led urban development, facilitate diaspora investment, and expand market access for Ethiop...


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Addis Abeba Housing Bureau Warns Landlords against Illegal Rent Hikes, Threatens Legal Action

The Addis Abeba Housing Development and Administration Bureau has issued a warning to landlords attempting to impose unauthorised rent increases or carry out unlawful evictions as the residential leasing cycle nears its statutory June 30 deadline. The warning follows reports of landlords pressuring tenants to vacate properties under claims of personal use or sale, alongside demands for steep rent hikes, according to comments made to state media. Kidist W. Giorgis, Head of the Bureau, said...


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Development Bank Turns Corner as Profit Hits Eight Billion Br

The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) posted a gross profit of eight billion Br in the first nine months of the fiscal year while repaying 15.6 billion Br in outstanding debt. Total income reached 17.3 billion Br, exceeding its target by 12pc. Presenting its performance to the House of Peoples' Representatives Standing Committee for Government Development Organizations, the bank highlighted progress from ongoing reforms, including reducing its non-performing loan ratio to 13.4pc, below the Nati...