Financial Reforms Attracting Growing Interest from Foreign Banks, Says Global Banking Executive Director

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s sweeping financial-sector reforms are attracting interest from foreign banks, signaling growing confidence in the country’s financial market, Global Alliance for Banking on Values Executive Director Martin Rohner said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Executive Director stated that the reforms being undertaken by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) are creating a more attractive environment for foreign banks and direct investment.

Rohner noted that recent changes in capital market, monetary policy and foreign-exchange regulations constitute important building blocks of a comprehensive financial-sector reform package.

“These are all building blocks of a much more comprehensive financial sector reform package which were necessary to make Ethiopia attractive for foreign direct investors and foreign banks to come into the market.”

According to Rohner, initial interests from foreign banks in entering the Ethiopian financial market is already emerging.

“It’s encouraging to see that there are initial banks interested in moving into the Ethiopian financial market,” he added.

The Executive also commended the NBE for engaging with the private sector and listening to the concerns and needs of financial institutions.

“I am very impressed by not just the momentum that is happening with the financial sector reform, but also the willingness of the National Bank of Ethiopia to engage with the private sector, listen to the private sector, and to adapt their regulation to the needs of the private sector,” Rohner said.

He further said domestic banks are also encouraged by the reforms, noting that changes in the financial sector are making business conditions easier and contributing to increased business activity.

Rohner further highlighted Ethiopia’s large and untapped financial market, particularly in digital financial inclusion.

The entry of foreign financial institutions could accelerate digital financial inclusion while encouraging domestic banks to become more dynamic and expand access to financial services, he said.

“With the advent of foreign players in the Ethiopian financial market, you will see acceleration in that respect.”

He explained that greater competition and improved access to finance could help unlock Ethiopia’s broader economic potential.

“Ethiopia is a huge country. It has tremendous economic potential, which still is untapped,” Rohner said, adding that he “thinks the future is bright. The vision is clear. The policy framework is pointing in the right direction”.