National Bank of Ethiopia issued public notice on 27 February 2026.
Birr-paired peer-to-peer transactions via trading platforms are not permitted.
Prohibition applies unless explicitly authorized by NBE.
Birr-denominated P2P cryptocurrency trading and exchanges remain prohibited.
Notice cites risks including volatility, fraud, price manipulation, and operational failures.
NBE working on comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets.
Supervisory focus remains on financial stability and payment system integrity.
Why it matters?
The directive reinforces existing restrictions on crypto-related Birr transactions and signals tighter enforcement in Ethiopia’s digital asset market.