Ethiopia’s new securities exchange will list Ethio Telecom, Ethiopian Airlines, and CBE to boost capital markets and global investment.
📈 Ethiopia Launches Securities Exchange, Targets Five Major Listings
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – February 6, 2025 – In a historic milestone for Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) on January 10, 2025, marking a new chapter in capital market development and foreign investment attraction.
Following this, the ESX announced plans to register five major state-owned companies within six months to stimulate investor interest and build market confidence.
“The registration of these five major companies underscores our commitment to enhancing transparency and liquidity in Ethiopia’s capital market,”
— Amanuel Abebe, CEO, Ethiopian Securities Exchange
🏛️ First Batch of Listings: Who’s Going Public?
Among the high-profile firms expected to list are:
These companies represent Ethiopia’s economic backbone and are expected to provide substantial market capitalization, liquidity, and investor appeal.
📡 Ethio Telecom: A Telecom Giant Embraces Transparency
“Listing on the ESX represents a crucial step in our journey toward greater transparency and shareholder engagement,”
— Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO, Ethio Telecom
The telco views the stock market as a gateway to raise capital for network expansion, 5G rollout, and rural penetration.
✈️ Ethiopian Airlines: Navigating Through Global Headwinds
“Listing on the ESX will enhance our financial resilience and support our ambitious fleet expansion,”
— Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines
As global aviation rebounds, Ethiopian Airlines aims to tap public markets to fund new routes, modernize its fleet, and deepen financial diversification.
🏦 Commercial Bank of Ethiopia: Deepening Financial Inclusion
“We look forward to leveraging our listing to broaden our investor base and enhance our capacity to support Ethiopia’s economic growth,”
— Belachew Fikre, CEO, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
With more than 30 million customers, CBE intends to use the capital markets to boost digital banking and support Ethiopia’s industrialisation push.
🌍 Implications for Ethiopia and the Region
The Ethiopian Securities Exchange launch is part of Ethiopia’s broader Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda and aligns with Vision 2030. Key goals include:
- Deepening financial inclusion
- Encouraging corporate transparency
- Reducing over-reliance on state financing
- Attracting diaspora and global capital
International investors have already expressed interest, signaling confidence in Ethiopia’s regulatory modernization and privatization trajectory.
