Ethiopia Seals Currency Swap Deal with China


[ssba-buttons]

Ethiopia and China have agreed to use their respective currencies for bilateral trade, a move aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and addressing foreign exchange challenges. The announcement was made by Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide following the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Beijing. He revealed that the central banks of both countries are finalizing the details of the currency swap agreement, similar to the one Ethiopia signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in July. The agreement is expected to facilitate trade and investment between Ethiopia and China, easing foreign exchange shortages and supporting the country's broader macroeconomic reform agenda. Ahmed also noted that additional grants have been secured from China to bolster Ethiopia's development efforts. China has been a major trading partner of Ethiopia. In 2022, Ethiopian imports from China amounted to 2.92 billion dollars, while exports totalled 175 million dollars. Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ethiopia during the first ten months of the current fiscal year has reached nearly half of the country's total FDI target of three billion dollars. At the FOCAC meeting, China pledged to provide 51 billion dollars in support to Africa and create one million jobs.


Radar

NBE Expands Diaspora Warning Over Unlicensed Remittance Firms

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued an expanded public warning targeting unlicensed remittance operators abroad, flagging four U.S.-based companies it says are undermining Ethiopia's financial regulations. The warning includes newly disclosed findings and specific cases that underscore growing concerns about illicit cross-border financial activity. Remittance flows remain a vital lifeline for Ethiopia's economy, supporting households and supplying critical foreign currency. But as...


Radar

Stricter Standards Unveiled for Public Auditors, Accounting Firms

The Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) has issued a new directive aimed at strengthening oversight and professional standards in the accounting and auditing sector. Grounded in the Financial Reporting Proclamation, the directive addresses long-standing regulatory gaps while preparing the sector for the country's emerging capital market. Key provisions introduce stricter licensing standards for public auditors, professionals permitted to audit public interest entities. Applican...


Radar

Export Recovery Gains Ground, Industry Still Lags Potential

The Ministry of Industry (MoI) has reported a modest rebound in Ethiopia's manufacturing exports, with revenues climbing eight percent in the 2025 fiscal year to reach 318 million dollars. Minister Melaku Alebel attributed the growth to a gradual sectoral recovery but acknowledged the figures remain well below the country's industrial potential. Speaking at a forum held with 60 top-performing manufacturers, Melaku said the ministry is working to unlock bottlenecks and improve coordination. Th...