Six Ethiopian Banks Receive Approval in Principle to List on ESX Main Market

As reported by Birr Metrics

Summary

• The Ethiopian Securities Exchange announced that six commercial banks have received approval in principle for Main Market listings: Awash Bank, Dashen Bank, Bank of Abyssinia, Abay Bank, Anbesa Bank, and Amhara Bank.
• Dashen Bank and Bank of Abyssinia are the most advanced. Both have completed securities registration and published prospectuses. Dashen Bank has also launched a rights offer to raise capital ahead of its listing. Awash, Abay, Anbesa, and Amhara banks are at advanced stages of regulatory review and disclosure preparation. Wegagen Bank and Gadaa Bank were the first two institutions to list on the ESX when it launched in January 2025.
• For BirrValue users, bank listings on the ESX affect how these institutions raise capital, which can influence their FX capacity and competitive pricing over time. Compare current bank FX rates on [BirrValue](/banks) before sending or converting. As banks move toward listing, improved transparency in their financials may also help users assess service quality.