Reported October 31, 2026. Thumbnail: editorial illustration.
Key Takeaways
• 15 Main Market listings are targeted by June 2027.
• ESX plans eight additional admissions during the fiscal year.
• Seven companies currently trade on the Main Market.
• Nine prospective entrants have received approval in principle.
• ECMA registration and prospectus disclosures remain necessary before trading.
• Birr 4.13 trillion in cumulative interbank transactions has been recorded since October 2024.
• ESX’s 2025–2029 strategy targets at least 50 listings across main and growth markets.
Market Impact
The pipeline includes banks, insurers and Ayat, supporting ESX’s effort to broaden a market dominated by banking. Preliminary approvals still require completion of regulatory steps.
The exchange also targets larger debt issuance and retail participation. Listing speed depends on firms completing registration and disclosure requirements.
Key Numbers
• 15 — June 2027 Main Market target — planned expansion.
• 7 — current Main Market companies — starting base.
• 9 — approvals in principle — prospective entrants.
• Birr 4.13 trillion — cumulative interbank transactions — money-market activity.
Business Signal
ESX has a larger listing pipeline, but final regulatory clearance determines when investors can trade new shares.