Zemen Bank's Profit Soars, Deposits Reach New High


Zemen Bank's Profit Soars, Deposits Reach New High

Executives of Zemen Bank have announced a record-high profit for the ended fiscal year. The Bank netted 2.39 billion Br, a 32pc jump from the previous year, fueled by increased deposits and a strong performance in its core banking operations. Total revenues for the year reached 7.7 billion Br, while assets grew by 23.9pc to 59.2 billion Br. Deposits mobilised increased by 17.5pc to 43.6 billion Br, and outstanding loans and advances rose by 13.5pc to 35.63 billion Br. Despite the impressive profit growth, earnings per share (EPS) declined to 37.6pc from the Bank's five-year average of 44.3pc. However, the Bank's CEO Dereje Zenebe, noted that the paid-up capital has surpassed the minimum requirement set by the central bank to 7.4 billion Br. In terms of foreign exchange, Zemen Bank mobilised 566 million dollars, representing a 7.3pc increase. The Bank's liquidity ratio remained well above the regulatory requirement of 15pc, reaching 32pc. The Bank's doorstep banking service continued to be successful, with 2,970 journeys made to collect over 900 million Br and 110,000 dollars. Board Chairperson Enye Bemir expressed optimism about the Bank's future, citing increased government spending as a potential driver of economic growth and increased aggregate demand.


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Parliament Reviews Bill Allowing Foreign Property Ownership

A draft proclamation that would allow foreigners to own or occupy immovable property in Ethiopia has been submitted to parliament by the Council of Ministers. Designed to attract foreign investment, the draft law plans to ensure that Ethiopian citizens retain their right to land ownership and use. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the draft was among six agenda items discussed and approved during the Council's regular session held on May 2, 2025. The proclamation is e...


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Speeding in the Spotlight as New Safety Drive Begins

The Road Safety and Insurance Fund Service has stated that drivers are responsible for 68 percent of traffic accidents in Ethiopia, with the remainder mainly caused by pedestrians and road conditions. On this topic, the service launched a one-month mass media campaign on last week focused on raising awareness about speeding, the leading cause of traffic accidents. The campaign, under the motto "Slow Down, Speeding Ruins Lives," plans to shed light on the dangers of speeding. Yohannes Lemma, E...


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Askari Metals Secures Five Gold Licenses in Untapped Adola Belt

Askari Metals has acquired 100pc of Rift Valley Metals, gaining five gold exploration licences covering 460sqkm in Ethiopia's Adola Greenstone Belt, part of the southern Arabian-Nubian Shield, a mineral-rich but underexplored region. "The exploration areas—Sakaro, Sakaro West, Lega Dembi South, Megado, and Wayu Boda—lie near Ethiopia's top gold mines, including Lega Dembi and Sakaro, which have produced over three million ounces of gold. The area is known for orogenic gold systems hosted...