- National Bank of Ethiopia to launch interdealer FX trading platform in 2026.
Current export FX surrender requirement stands at 70%.
Exporters retain 30% under existing framework.
Planned reform will reduce mandatory surrender ratio.
Retention share for exporters set to increase.
Shift follows gradual FX liberalization measures since 2024.
NBE conducted two special FX auctions totaling $1 billion.
Latest auction allocated $455.29 million at 155.17 Birr/USD.
Interbank FX transactions to move from NBE allocation model to dealer-based trading.
Reform signals transition from centralized FX distribution to market-based pricing.
Why it matters?
Lower surrender ratios and interdealer trading indicate structural shift toward FX market liberalization and reduced central bank allocation dominance.