Damot Bank Promoters Opt for Dissolution

Sep 17 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

The promoters of Damot Bank have decided to dissolve the would-be financial institutions after struggling to raise enough equity to meet the central bank's minimum paid-up capital threshold. Only three of over two dozen banks under formation managed to meet the window deadline to raise half a billion Birr in equity last November. Their promoters have since been forced to raise 10 times as much, dissolve or seek other options. Damot's promoters had begun raising equity in October 2020. Regulators have granted private banks in operation a seven-year window to comply with the updated capital threshold. Several, such as Awash Bank and the Bank of Abyssinia, have already met the requirement. However, most have yet to secure the equity. The issue is more pressing in light of a decision from a recent decision by the Council of Ministers permitting foreign investors into the financial sector for the first time in five decades.


Radar

Ministry Showcases Arada Branch Revenue Gains

Arada District's Land Development & Administration Branch pulled in over 150 million Br in just 70 days, beating its 90-day target. Most of the revenue came from annual lease collections and service fees. The office also billed 126 property owners for roof and fence valuations, already securing 20 million Br of the expected 46 million Br. Officials issued warnings to 15 allottees slow to start construction and recommended land right revocations in 11 cases. Leaders credited a more efficient...


Radar

Ministry Backs Blended Finance for Micro, Small Enterprises

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is partnering with Ministry of Finance to expand financial access for micro and small enterprises through blended finance and digital tools. Off-balance-sheet facilities are designed to attract private investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) by reducing risk and improving capital flow. Digital platforms, including mobile money and digital IDs, will lower transaction costs and broaden reach. The initiative supports job creation and...


Radar

National Electricity Network Set for Upgrade

Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) plans to expand the national electricity grid by 8,689 km in the 2026 fiscal year, Yohannes Tonja, head of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, said. The rollout includes 86,789 km of medium-voltage lines, 92,572 km of low-voltage lines, and pre-maintenance on transformers. EEU will also rehabilitate 1,218 km of medium-voltage lines, install 1,893 transformers, and upgrade 308.7 km of low-voltage infrastructure. Operational targets include cutting power interrup...