Tsehay Shiferaw: Roles, Education, and Professional Achievements

Tsehay Shiferaw, CEO of Awash Bank, is a trailblazer in Ethiopia’s private banking industry, bringing over 26 years of experience to the role. Since becoming president in 2011, he has led Awash Bank—Ethiopia’s first private bank—through a decade of growth, innovation, and customer-focused transformation.

Professional Journey & Leadership

With a career that spans nearly the entire lifespan of Ethiopia’s private banking sector, Tsehay has been a central figure in its evolution. Under his leadership at Awash Bank, the institution has grown into one of the country’s largest and most respected private banks. His leadership is characterized by:

• A customer-centric approach that puts client needs at the center of banking innovation.

• A reputation as a strategic guru, credited with shaping the trajectory of private banking in Ethiopia.

• His additional role as Chairperson at Premier Switch Solutions (PSS), a national payment platform, further demonstrates his influence in Ethiopia’s digital finance transformation.

Academic Background

Tsehay earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University (AAU) and later received a Master’s Degree from the International Leadership Institute (ILI), equipping him with a solid academic foundation in economics and leadership.

A Decade of Transformative Impact

Since taking over as CEO in 2011, Tsehay has driven Awash Bank to expand its capital base, branch network, and digital banking capabilities. His steady leadership continues to position Awash Bank as a model for excellence in customer service, innovation, and sustainable banking growth.