NBE Sustains Dollar Supply as Exchange Rate Rises


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 banks at 131.49 Br and 50 million dollarsto 12 banks at 131.71 Br. February saw the highest rate of 135.61 Br, with 60 million dollars offered to 27 banks. The auctions are part of the NBE’s ongoing strategy to stabilise the exchange rate and improve dollar availability. While bank participation has recently declined, officials expect the programme to ease import-related pressures, support the private sector, and help maintain macroeconomic stability.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

EthSwitch Sees Record Profit, Expands Digital Payment Reach

EthSwitch, the national switch operator, reported a record 1.4 billion Br gross profit for the fiscal year ending June 2025, a 34pc increase from last year's 1.06 billion Br. The performance was driven by a sharp rise in interoperable transactions, reflecting the country's growing embrace of digital payments. Person-to-person (P2P) transfers led revenue generation with 902.6 million Br, nearly half of total income, followed by ATM transactions contributing 825.1 million Br. Overall revenue cl...


Radar

Lion Bank Delivers Robust Results, Rewarding Shareholders

Lion International Bank S.C. posted a profit before tax of 1.8 billion Br for the last fiscal year, marking a 94pc surge from the previous year. The announcement was made during the bank's General Assembly held last week at the Sheraton Addis Hotel. After provisions and taxes, the bank registered a net profit exceeding 900 million Br, with shareholders earning 27pc per share. Deposits climbed by 23pc to 44 billion Br, up from 35.6 billion Br, while total loans and advances reached 36.2 billio...


Radar

Berhan Bank Lifts Earnings as Reforms Ease Forex Strain

Berhan Bank reported a 28.1pc growth in its latest fiscal year, buoyed by economic reforms and relaxed forex directives. The Bank's total deposits climbed to 44.5 billion Br by June 30, 2025, up 7.6 billion Br from the previous year. Net profit distributed to shareholders rose by 36pc, while total income reached 10.3 billion Br, marking a 61.4pc increase. Interest income accounted for nearly 59pc of total earnings, driven largely by the repeal of the National Bank's 70pc forex surrender rule...