FORTUNE+ VIDEO SPONSORED CONTENTS ADVERTORIALS FORTUNE AUDIO Fortune Careers TRADE AFRICA Election 2026 New TIME REMAINING UNTIL ETHIOPIA’S NATIONAL ELECTION 0Days 0Hours 0Minutes 0Seconds




Oromia Bank Lowers Loan Interest Rate

Apr 12 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

Oromia International Bank has lowered the interest rate on loans as part of its move toward easing the burden on businesses due to the economic slowdown caused by the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Bank temporarily slashed the interest rate by 0.25pc to 3.45pc for certain business sectors. It also waived fees that had been imposed on loan rescheduling, early settlement charges as well as ATM transactions. Commitment and arrangement fees have been also lifted temporarily. The new adjustments are aimed at mainly easing the burden on the tourism sector, hotel services and horticulture, according to Teferi Mekonnen, acting president of the Bank. The Bank is also granting a grace period for borrowers that are facing difficulties in repaying their loans, according to the president. Oromia also reduced the commission that is typically charged to extend purchase orders and letters of credit from 3.75pc to 2.65pc. A week ago, the Bank donated five million Birr to the national committee that is mobilising funds to ward off the potential spread of COVID-19.


Radar

Customs Commission Puts Government Transactions on Mesob

Public institutions must now process customs-related transactions through Mesob, a new electronic platform introduced to reduce manual procedures in government trade operations. The Customs Commission has directed the institutions to use the platform for customs clearance, transit processing, import and export procedures, transaction verification, and related services. Mesob became operational for public institutions on July 20, 2026, for customs services. Institutions must complete intern...


Radar

Addis Grants Extra Month for Residential Lease Renewals

Lessors and tenants in Addis Abeba have an extra month to renew residential lease agreements after the City Administration extended the registration deadline from August 6 to September 5, 2026. The Addis Abeba Housing Development Corporation attributed the extension to public requests for more time. Officials said it would ease congestion at registration centres and allow residents to complete the process more conveniently. The renewal exercise began in early July, following the introducti...


Radar

Government Procurement Goes Digital with 597b Br Turnover

More than 597 billion Br in government purchases passed through Ethiopia's electronic procurement platform during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, widening the use of digital systems in public finance. The platform was used by 172 federal institutions and 196 affiliated entities during the year. More than 135,000 suppliers were registered to provide goods and services through the system, which is intended to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement. The governmen...