Zemen Bank Expands Reach with Dutch Businesses Partnership

Aug 25 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

Zemen Bank expands its network with over 75 Dutch businesses operating in Ethiopia, signing an associate membership agreement with their lobby group last week. According to Asrat Tadesse, from Zemen Bank, the partnership is expected to prop Ethiopian Netherlands Business Association members with innovative financial products while expanding the reach of the institution. He noted Zemen's successful alliances with both domestic and international companies in horticulture, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2013 under the auspices of the Dutch Embassy, the Association represents over 75 Dutch businesses operating in Ethiopia, including 17 flower exporters. The agreement was signed with Hayo Hamster, board chairman of the Association, at the Bank's headquarters on Ras Abebe Aregay St. Zemen Bank has solidified its presence in the financial industry since 2008 with strong performance. During the 2022/23 fiscal year, the Bank's capital and non-distributable reserves increased by 37.4pc to 7.13 billion Br, while its profit grew by 22.3pc to 1.81 billion Br. Zemen's loan and deposit portfolios have also expanded with total loans and advances reaching 31.39 billion Br, representing a growth of 48.6pc, while total deposits increased by 38pc to 37 billion Br.


Radar

Parliament Enacts Solid Waste Management, Disposal Proclamation

Parliament has unanimously passed the solid waste management and disposal proclamation, marking a decisive move toward environmental sustainability. It mainly introduces stringent penalties for the use and distribution of single-use plastic bags, focusing on reducing pollution and promoting responsible waste practices. Under the new proclamation, individuals carrying plastic bags face fines ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Br, while commercial producers, importers, and retailers may be fined betwe...


Radar

NBE Sustains Dollar Supply as Exchange Rate Rises

The US dollar rose to an average of 134.95 Br in the seventh round of the National Bank of Ethiopia's (NBE) foreign exchange auction held on June 5, 2025. This marks a steady increase from 133.17 Br in the previous round and 132.90 Br in the fifth. In the latest bi-weekly auction, the central bank offered 50 million dollars to 12 commercial banks. By comparison, 60 million dollars was supplied to 16 banks at 132.96 Br in early May. In April, two auctions distributed 70 million dollars to 26 b...


Radar

Holland Dairy Unveils Cold Facility, Reinforces Eco Goals Through New Treatment Plant

Holland Dairy has officially inaugurated a cold storage facility and commissioned a wastewater treatment plant, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to growth and sustainability. The event was attended by the Mayor of Bishoftu and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, showcasing both national and international support for the initiative. The new cold storage facility, with a capacity of over 400,000 liters of yogurt, is designed to enhance supply chain...