Omo Microfinance to Upgrade into Bank

Oct 2 , 2021


[ssba-buttons]

Omo Microfinance is edging closer in its bid to transform into a bank. It is the third microfinance institution to make such a move, after Amhara and Oromia saving & credit institutions. The shareholders of the microfinance voted last week to change its name to Omo. Established 25 years ago with an initial capital of half a million Birr and four branch offices, the institution has total assets of 10.7 billion Br and a paid-up capital of 1.9 billion Br. Omo was one of the five largest microfinance institutions in Ethiopia, along with Amhara, Oromia, Addis, and Dedebit. These institutions account for 82.6pc of the total capital, 90pc of the savings, and 85.9pc of the credit provided in the microfinance market. Omo mobilised over seven billion Birr in deposits last year, bringing its aggregate to 36 billion Br.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...