ECX Marks First Electronic Rice Trade

Apr 15 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

Over 60qtl of rice was traded electronically at the Ethiopian Exchange Commodity (ECX) floor for 383,232 Br two weeks ago. Authorities at the exchange added the rice commodity to their floors this year. Officials disclosed that electronic trading will enhance the profitability of producers and traders and transmit trade information faster and more easily. Rice is mainly harvested from Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, Southern, Gambela and Tigray regional states. After officials launched the online Integrated Commodity Exchange Trading System, they are able to trade online from their digital accessories from anywhere. The new system will have access to membership, warehouse operation and payment. The officials also said that the annual production of rice increased from 1.32 million tons to two million tons in four years beginning in 2016, where the 60pc of the production accounts to small-holder farmers. Exporters have thus far been trading by coming to the Exchange office or logging into regional electronics trading sites. The electronics exchange centre is currently found in the capital, Sidama, Amhara, Oromia and Southern Nations regional states. Ethiopian Commodity Exchange began operation 15 years ago with an Open Outcry Trading forum. However, through the years, it has cooperated with software companies to upgrade itself and has been making way through online trading since 2015.


Radar

Amendment Expands Access for Foreign Traders

Foreign participation in Ethiopia's wholesale, retail, import, and export trade sectors has come under renewed focus as the Ethiopian Investment Board(EIB) approved a significant amendment to Directive No. 1001/2016  in its meeting on May 23, 2025. The amendment, proposed by the Ethiopian Investment Commission(EIC), focuses on refining the legal framework governing foreign investment in these sectors. The decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's appeal as an investment...


Radar

NBE Sets Four Percent Ceiling on Foreign Exchange Fees

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) issued a new foreign exchange market directive on May 20, 2025, that caps commercial banks' forex service fees at a maximum of four percent. Banks are instructed to adapt competitive, transparent, and streamlined pricing for all forex-related services. Effective May 26, 2025, total charges for purchasing foreign exchange whether for imports, service payments, or cash note purchases must not exceed the newly set limit. The directive also prohibits banks f...


Radar

SantimPay Launches Zero-fee Digital Remittance Platform

SantimPay has rolled out FrankRemit, first fully integrated, zero-fee digital remittance platform, in partnership with Bank of Abyssinia(BOA). The service smoothly connects all commercial banks and major mobile money providers, including Telebirr, M-Pesa, and CBE Birr which is a first of its kind in the country. FrankRemit is expected to revolutionise how the Ethiopian diaspora sends money home. Developed locally and tested over the past two weeks with successful transfers from multiple count...