Microfinance Turned Bank Embarks on Securities Exchange Investment


Microfinance Turned Bank Embarks on Securities Exchange Investment

Siinqee Bank has taken a significant step towards the realisation of the inaugural securities exchange by making a 50 million Br equity investment in the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX). The agreement was signed last week between Neway Megerssa, president of Siinqee and Tilahun Kassahun, CEO of Exchange, at the Bank's headquarters on Tito St. Siinquee Bank, which transitioned from a microfinance institution to a full-fledged bank, has rapidly expanded its branch network, reaching 530 branches across the country in less than two years. As part of the deal, it becomes a five percent stakeholder in the paid-up capital of ESX, with the minimum equity investment set at 10 million Br. The equity investment in ESX follows a broader trend, with Zemen Bank being the first private commercial bank to invest in the exchange with a 47.5 million Br purchase last month. An initial 275 million Br was raised from four state-owned enterprises under Ethiopia's sovereign wealth fund, Ethiopian Investment Holdings and FSD Africa. Neway Megerssa highlighted the opportunity presented by the launch of capital markets, emphasising its potential to boost savings, increase capital, and enhance overall efficiency. He also noted that the establishment of capital markets would contribute to increased competitiveness among financial institutions.


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Ethiopian Seafarers Contribute $50m Annually in Remittances

Ethiopian Maritime Authority disclosed 50 million dollars in annual remittances from seafarers deployed internationally. Abdulber Shemsu, the director general of the Authority, said Ethiopia's membership in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), establishes global standards and guidelines for safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping practices. With 176 member countries and three associate member countries, including Ethiopia, the IMO provides a framework for ensuring...


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AfDB Launches $1.5m Initiative to Propel Agro-Industrial Parks

A 1.5 million dollar initiative for the development of three Agro-industrial parks was commenced last week. Financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project includes feasibility studies, a master plan, and an environmental and social impact assessment. The Phase Two project, which includes capacity building for stakeholders, was initiated last week with an agreement between Semereta Sewasew, state minister for Finance and Gunther Beger, managing director of UNIDO. Semereta said...


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Cabinet Approves Public Service Legislation

Council of Ministers has unanimously approved the legislation that aims to raise the competency and professionalism of public service in the country. The Federal Civil Servants Proclamation is pending ratification from Parliament. The decision was made during the 30th meeting of the Cabinet last week, which follows the ratification of the public service and administrative policy. Currently, the 176 federal agencies within 22 ministries, collectively employ around two million people. The polic...


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