Ethiopia Launches Investment Banking Services for the First Time

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority has introduced investment banking services, with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Wegagen Bank being the first to receive licenses. The move aims to strengthen the capital market, support macroeconomic stability, and expand development financing options. The total number of capital market service providers has now reached nine.

Fri March 21, 2025 | 5 Minutes

The Authority Launches Investment Banking Services for the First Time; Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Wegagen Bank Are the First to Receive Licenses

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority has, for the first time in Ethiopia, launched investment banking services today, March 21, 2025.

In this regard, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Wegagen Bank have become the first institutions to receive investment banking licenses in Ethiopia.

In addition, Ethio-Fidelity Securities S.C. has been granted a license to operate as a securities (capital market) entity, and HST Investment Advisory Services Plc. and Equation Plc. have been licensed to provide investment advisory services in the capital market

During the licensing ceremony, Mamo Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, stated that the development of the capital market contributes to stabilizing the macroeconomy by addressing the country’s balance of payments.

He explained that the government can support development financing costs by selling long-term treasury securities through the capital market, adding that this also strengthens the banking sector.

Previously, Ethiopia’s capital market was limited to four licensed service providers, all of which were investment advisors.

With today’s licensing of investment banks and securities investment advisors, the total number of capital market service providers in Ethiopia has reached nine.

These investment banks are distinct from commercial banks and are established as new entities, focusing on investment advisory services and other capital market activities."

Sources

The following sources were used to verify the information in this article

Addis Standard Amharic

Ethiopia Crushes Djibouti 6-1 in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Ethiopia delivered a dominant performance in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, thrashing Djibouti 6-1. Abubeker Nasser starred with a hat-trick (including a penalty), while Bereket Desta scored twice and Samuel Akinbinu added another. The emphatic victory boosts Ethiopia's qualifying campaign.

Tue March 25, 2025 | 2 Minutes

Assistant Professor Nebiyu Baye Named Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports

Assistant Professor Nebiyu Baye has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, effective March 19, 2025. He brings experience from his roles at the Ethiopian News Agency and Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

Mon March 24, 2025 | 2 Minutes

Ethio-Djibouti Railway Resumes Services After Power Outage

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway suspended services due to damaged transmission towers near Awash Sebat Kilo but has now resumed operations after power was restored. The outage, caused by power theft, affected multiple cities in eastern Ethiopia before repairs were completed.

Mon March 24, 2025 | 10 Minutes

Ethiopia Claims Gold and Silver in Women’s 1500m at World Indoor Athletics Championship

Ethiopian athletes Gudaf Tsegay and Diribe Welteji secured gold and silver medals, respectively, in the women’s 1500-meter race at the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing, China. Tsegay finished first with a time of 3:54.86, and Welteji followed closely with 3:59.30.

Sun March 23, 2025 | 2 Minutes

Ethiopia Claims First Gold Medal at World Indoor Athletics Championship

Ethiopian athlete Freweyni Hailu won gold in the women’s 3000-meter race at the 20th World Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing, China. Birke Haylom finished fifth, while Ethiopian men prepare to compete in the 3000-meter final later today.

Sat March 22, 2025 | 2 Minutes

Berihu Arergawi Wins Silver for Ethiopia at World Indoor Athletics Championship

Ethiopian athlete Berihu Arergawi claimed a silver medal in the men’s 3000-meter race at the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing, China. Biniam Mehari and Getnet Wale finished ninth and 11th, respectively, in the same event.

Sat March 22, 2025 | 2 Minutes

HOPR Update: Ethiopia Becomes Africa’s Top Wheat Producer, Says PM Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia is now Africa’s leading wheat producer, with over 7.7 million hectares of land dedicated to wheat cultivation, yielding an expected 300 million quintals. He also highlighted significant growth in coffee exports, projecting $2 billion in revenue over the next four months, alongside progress in tea and oilseed production.

Fri March 21, 2025 | 5 Minutes

HOPR Update: Ethiopia’s Reserve Holdings Reach Historic High, Says PM Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia’s current reserve holdings are unprecedented in its history, doubling since 2011 EC. He highlighted $3.5 billion in debt relief secured through negotiations and noted that while revenues reached 564 billion birr in eight months, expenditures exceeded income due to subsidies and salary increases. Efforts to address the cost of living and manage debt are ongoing.

Fri March 21, 2025 | 6 Minutes

HOPR Update: 167,000 Houses Built in Five Years, Says PM Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that over 167,000 houses have been constructed in the past five years, a significant increase compared to the 160,000 built during the 13-year EPRDF era. He also highlighted that over 17 billion birr has been paid in compensation to development-displaced individuals in Addis Ababa, with more than 100,000 houses currently under construction by the government and private sector.

Fri March 21, 2025 | 5 Minutes