Private Company Joins Fintech Frenzy

Nov 26 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

A fintech company, SantimPay Financial Institution S.C., finalised preparation to venture into the lucrative mobile money market next week after securing a permit from the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) two months ago. The digital payment system was the exclusive domain of financial firms, such as banks and microfinance institutions, before it was opened for private companies, attracting tech firms. SantimPay launched an online gateway platform after regulators at the NBE issued permits for private mobile money platforms two years after opening the financial sector to non-financial entities. Incorporated three years ago with a paid-up capital of 40 million, SantimPay launched a closed-loop gift card service cooperating with Birhan Bank, with 8,900 customers transacting over 43 million Br last year. At the launching event scheduled at Hilton Hotel, the company's managers will showcase their products in partnership with half a dozen banks: Abyssinia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Bunna, Awash, Amhara, Birhan, and Telebirr.


Radar

Korenti, Agelegel Microfinance Ink EV Financing Deal

Korenti Auto Trading PLC has signed a strategic agreement with Agelegel Microfinance to provide accessible financing options for electric vehicle (EV) buyers. The partnership seeks to ease EV ownership by offering fair pricing and loan packages with affordable rates. The initiative supports Ethiopia's push for clean transport and aligns with national sustainability goals. Korenti's managing director said the move reflects the company's commitment to expanding electric mobility. Customers can now...


Radar

NBE Leads Week-Long Bank Supervision Application Forum

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is hosting a week-long Bank Supervision Application (BSA) User Group meeting that began on July 7, 2025. The BSA system, developed by a pan-African consortium of central banks including the NBE, automates supervisory work for financial regulators. NBE will take over the rotating BSA chairmanship in September. Opening the session, Frezer Ayalew, Director of Bank Supervision, stressed the need for modern tools to handle growing regulatory demands amid cyberse...


Radar

Six Fuel Companies Banned, Seven Warned, Authority Noted Illicit Activity

The Ethiopian Petroleum & Energy Authority has taken disciplinary action against 13 fuel distribution companies for illegally trading 2.8 million litres of fuel outside the digital system in the past two months. Six firms face a one-month suspension from the fuel import and trading market, while seven others received final warnings and must rectify their operations within a month. Director General Destawe Mekwanant (PhD) said the companies failed to monitor fuel stations and ensure proper...