Central Bank Introduces Maiden Directive to Govern Reinsurance

Mar 19 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

Regulators at the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) have introduced their first-ever directive to govern licensed reinsurance firms. Reinsurance firms were previously governed using directives drafted for the insurance industry. The new directive, which came into force on March 1, 2022, introduces new rules for reinsurance companies. They are required to submit audited financial statements and other supporting documents within 90 days of the end of the financial year, while they are obliged to provide thorough semi-annual reports as well. The directive stipulates that the firms' invested funds be no less than 60pc of total assets in treasury bills (T-bills) and bank deposits. Ethiopian Reinsurance (Ethio-Re), incorporated in 2016, is the sole reinsurance provider. All of the 17 insurance firms transfer five percent of all insurance policies to Ethio-Re, 25pc of treaty sessions, and policy coverages assigned to other reinsurers.


Radar

Debt Crisis in Focus as Central Bank Governor Visits China

Eyob Tekalegn (PhD), newly appointed governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), made his first official overseas trip to China to discuss debt restructuring. He met with senior officials from China's Ministry of Finance, the People's Bank of China, and the Export-Import Bank of China, and is expected to hold talks with leading financial and commercial institutions. State media reported that the visit builds on the recent debt restructuring agreement with the Official Creditors Committee...


Radar

Blueprint for Safety, Builders Face Tough New Standards

Four key institutions in Ethiopia's construction sector signed an MoU at Skylight Hotel to address chronic safety lapses that cost lives and damage property. The deal brings together the Ethiopian Construction Authority, the Construction Management Institute, the Addis Abeba Construction Permit & Regulation Authority, and the Ethiopian Construction Work Contractors Association. Assistant Director Engineer Abebe Dinku warned that accidents persist despite booming activity, with 24,000 acti...


Radar

Licenses of Ten Auditors at Risk After Alleged Tax Irregularities

The Addis Abeba Revenue Bureau has asked the Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia to revoke the licenses of ten accountants and auditors accused of preparing flawed taxpayer records during the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Officials say a preliminary audit uncovered irregularities that may have cost the government revenue. While disciplinary measures are yet to be confirmed, the Bureau said it would no longer accept financial statements signed by the professionals under scrutiny. Citing pr...