Securities Exchange Soars Above Capital Raise Target


Securities Exchange Soars Above Capital Raise Target

The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing its initial capital requirement by more than twofold. Raising a total of 1.51 billion Br capital, the Exchange paves the way for establishing Ethiopia's first stock exchange. According to Tilahun Kassahun, CEO of the Exchange, the substantial capital raise signals strong investor confidence, with participation from both domestic and international markets. Local investors include 16 private commercial banks, 12 insurance companies, and 17 institutional investors. State-owned enterprises under the Ethiopian Investment Holdings have also chipped in with 275 million Br, along with FSD Africa. Transparency is a priority for the ESX, according to Tilahun, confirming that the final list of investors will be made public once finalised. The involvement of foreign investors is particularly noteworthy for him, with the Trade & Development Bank Group and the Nigerian Exchange Group joining the venture. The ESX has opened a draft Exchange Rulebook for public consultation, outlining the criteria for membership, trading procedures, transaction requirements, and settlement processes. "Public input will be instrumental in shaping the operational structure," said Tsegaamlak Solomon, general counsel.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Deposit Insurance Fund Grows to 15.1B Br, Signals Readiness for Crisis Response

Two years into its operations, the Ethiopian Deposit Insurance Fund (EDIF) has grown its asset base to 15.1B Br, reinforcing its role as a critical backstop for depositors and financial institutions alike. The Fund, established under a proclamation by the Council of Ministers, was designed to shield depositors in the event of bank or microfinance collapses. Since its inception, EDIF has focused on collecting premiums from member institutions, investing the funds, and building a system robust...


Radar

Rockefellers 100m Dollars Leap into Regenerative Lunches

As part of the UNFSS+4 High-Level Convening, a thematic session titled "Nourishing the Future through Regenerative School Meals" was held on July 26, 2025, at the Sheraton Addis on Taitu St. It brought together prominent figures including Ethiopia's former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former First Lady Roman Tesfaye, and Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto. Organised by the Rockefeller Foundation, the event focused on overhauling child nutrition through regenerative agriculture. Sarah Farl...


Radar

Hijra Bank Backs Young Innovators with Awards, Loans

Hijra Bank has awarded five young Ethiopian innovators in the final round of its “Sirara” Creative Spark Awards, selected from over 27,000 applicants. The programme targets practical innovations in agriculture, sustainability, and appropriate technology. Top winner Milkias Ahmed (PhD) received a 300,000 Br prize and a 3 million Br interest-free loan for developing an organic soil conditioner from animal bones. Second and third prizes went to Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Juhar for a crop-harvest...