Hibret Bank Beholds Novel Digital System


Hibret Bank Beholds Novel Digital System

Hibret Bank upgrades its mobile banking system by launching an application and USSD dubbed "Hibir Mobile". Other than the usual services of mobile banking, the new application comprises new features of requesting a replacement for stolen payment cards, blocking the previous service. The application was built in-house by a team led by Nebyat Assefa, chief technology officer. Incorporated in 1998 with 21.3 million Br paid-up capital raised from 352 shareholders, Hibret Bank has now reached 5,500 shareholders with 4.3 billion Br paid-up capital. The Bank launched its first mobile banking 15 years ago and has mobilised more than 900,000 customers. The Bank President, Melaku Kebede said despite deployment, financial technology in general lags behind in penetrating the market. He disclosed Hibret will soon launch its micro-loan system. Private commercial banks have been eyeing the micro-loan system lately, with Abyssinia, Dashen, Lion and COOP launching their personalised system over the months.


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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...


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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...


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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...