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News - Financial

Ethiopia: CBE has launched a state-controlled digital remittance network

Jan 25, 2026
Ethiopia: CBE has launched a state-controlled digital remittance network


  • CBE launched CBE Connect Digital Wallet to channel diaspora remittances. 

  • The platform targets capturing part of $35 billion annual remittances

  • Only 22 % ($7.2 billion) of remittances currently flows through formal channels. 

  • NBE granted exclusive Dollar Wallet rights for digital foreign-currency holding. 

  • API gateway enables 1–2 day global fintech integration with Ethiopian banking system. 

Why it matters: The new platform represents a policy shift toward formalizing remittances and strengthening foreign exchange inflows, potentially reducing reliance on informal channels and costly intermediaries in Ethiopia’s payments ecosystem.