SantimPay Launches Zero-fee Digital Remittance Platform


SantimPay Launches Zero-fee Digital Remittance Platform

SantimPay has rolled out FrankRemit, first fully integrated, zero-fee digital remittance platform, in partnership with Bank of Abyssinia(BOA). The service smoothly connects all commercial banks and major mobile money providers, including Telebirr, M-Pesa, and CBE Birr which is a first of its kind in the country. FrankRemit is expected to revolutionise how the Ethiopian diaspora sends money home. Developed locally and tested over the past two weeks with successful transfers from multiple countries, the app promises fast, secure transfers for the diaspora. The launch event at the Hilton Addis, on May 21, drew high-profile attendees, including SantimPay CEO Tinsae Desalegn, Ambassador Fitsum Abegaz of the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, and executives from Oromia Bank and BOA. "FrankRemit addresses the frustrations of the diaspora by making money transfers faster, more reliable, and secure," said Tinsae. A live demo and a message from brand ambassador Tewodros Legesse noted the platform’s ease of use and impact. Despite the reforms, remittances remain below potential, a gap FrankRemit seeks to close. The platform also introduced the FrankCard, a diaspora gift card service in collaboration with Oromia Bank and Shoa Supermarket, a prepaid gift card for diaspora members to support families in the country beyond cash. FrankRemit offers competitive rates, simple steps, and a bonus on first transfers, setting a new standard in the fin-tech landscape.


Radar

Amendment Expands Access for Foreign Traders

Foreign participation in Ethiopia's wholesale, retail, import, and export trade sectors has come under renewed focus as the Ethiopian Investment Board(EIB) approved a significant amendment to Directive No. 1001/2016  in its meeting on May 23, 2025. The amendment, proposed by the Ethiopian Investment Commission(EIC), focuses on refining the legal framework governing foreign investment in these sectors. The decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's appeal as an investment...


Radar

NBE Sets Four Percent Ceiling on Foreign Exchange Fees

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) issued a new foreign exchange market directive on May 20, 2025, that caps commercial banks' forex service fees at a maximum of four percent. Banks are instructed to adapt competitive, transparent, and streamlined pricing for all forex-related services. Effective May 26, 2025, total charges for purchasing foreign exchange whether for imports, service payments, or cash note purchases must not exceed the newly set limit. The directive also prohibits banks f...


Radar

SantimPay Launches Zero-fee Digital Remittance Platform

SantimPay has rolled out FrankRemit, first fully integrated, zero-fee digital remittance platform, in partnership with Bank of Abyssinia(BOA). The service smoothly connects all commercial banks and major mobile money providers, including Telebirr, M-Pesa, and CBE Birr which is a first of its kind in the country. FrankRemit is expected to revolutionise how the Ethiopian diaspora sends money home. Developed locally and tested over the past two weeks with successful transfers from multiple count...