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Regulations - Financial

NBE Issues a New FXD/04/2026 Amending Foreign Exchange Directive

Feb 11, 2026
NBE Issues a New FXD/04/2026 Amending Foreign Exchange Directive

Here are the key changes:

  • NBE allows banks to apply forward exchange rates alongside spot rates for FX transactions

  • Service exporters may retain 100% of export proceeds indefinitely in FX accounts

  • FDI companies can open FX accounts without prior NBE approval letter

  • Banks authorized to approve dividend and profit remittances; monthly reporting to NBE required

  • External loans and suppliers’ credits handled by banks without NBE approval; reporting required

  • Cash declaration requirement above USD 10,000 cancelled for FX exchange, deposit, and border entry

  • Directive effective 12 February 2026

why it matters?
The amendments expand FX retention, forward contracts, dividend remittance, and outbound transfers, affecting exporters, banks, FDI firms, forex bureaus, and cross-border transactions under Ethiopia’s foreign exchange regime.

If you want to read the full regulation from NBE,  click here