Tripartite Partnership Comes Live to Boost Regional Capital Markets


Tripartite Partnership Comes Live to Boost Regional Capital Markets

A partnership that promotes cross-border investments, knowledge exchange, and capacity building was formed between the securities exchanges of Ethiopia and Kenya last week. Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and iCapital Africa Institute join forces to avail training programs for market participants, establishment of a strong regulatory framework, and exploration of innovative financial products the institutions plan to meet the growing needs of investors. CEOs Tilahun Kassahun (PhD) of ESX, Frank Mwiti of NSE, and Gemechu Waktola of the Institute signed the memorandum of understanding at Hyatt Regency, Africa Avenue (Bole Road). A key part of the capital market space, ESX is on track to launch its real-time trading platform. According to Tilahun, the move will accelerate the growth of the capital market in the region through innovation and technology transfer.


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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...


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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...


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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...