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Ethiopian Banks Break Records in Africa’s 2025 Top 100 Rankings

Ethiopian banks are showing impressive progress in Africa’s banking scene. According to the 2025 Top 100 African Banks ranking released by African Business Magazine, six Ethiopian banks made it to this year’s list — marking another strong year of growth for the country’s financial sector.

Awash Leads Ethiopia’s Rise

Awash International Bank became one of Africa’s biggest movers in 2025, jumping 18 places to secure the 50th position. The bank’s continued investment in technology, customer expansion, and capital growth helped it climb rapidly compared to last year. Awash now ranks among the most successful private banks in East Africa.

CBE Holds Strong as Ethiopia’s Top Bank

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) maintained its strong position at 29th place, keeping its reputation as the largest and most stable bank in the country. With more than one billion dollars in Tier 1 capital and a healthy 33% return on equity, CBE continues to play a dominant role in the national economy and regional financial system.

Other Ethiopian Banks on the Rise

The Development Bank of Ethiopia also moved slightly upward to 43rd, showing steady improvement and strong capital support for development projects.
Dashen Bank climbed 16 spots to 71st place, and Bank of Abyssinia rose 17 places to 72nd, reflecting strong profitability and digital expansion in both institutions.

The most exciting new development came from Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank), which entered the continental ranking for the first time, taking the 93rd position. Coopbank’s inclusion shows the growing strength of Ethiopia’s cooperative and community-focused banking model.

Key Insights and What It Means

Six Ethiopian banks are now listed among Africa’s Top 100, up from just two in 2022.
Cooperative Bank of Oromia’s new entry highlights the success of inclusive and community-driven financial institutions.
The strong performances of Awash, Dashen, and Bank of Abyssinia demonstrate how private banks are catching up with regional competitors.
CBE remains a regional giant, providing stability and confidence in Ethiopia’s banking industry.

This collective progress shows how Ethiopia’s banks are growing in size, profitability, and capital strength. The growth is supported by ongoing banking reforms, digital transformation, and increased competition. It also reflects the positive impact of improved governance and strong customer growth across the industry.

A Fast-Growing Market in East Africa

Ethiopia now stands as one of the fastest-growing banking markets in East Africa. While Kenya still has more banks in the Top 100, Ethiopia’s growth pace is among the highest on the continent. This rise builds investor confidence and strengthens Ethiopia’s position as an emerging financial hub.

With reforms continuing and banks becoming more modern and efficient, Ethiopia’s financial sector is expected to play an even larger role in supporting business, investment, and the country’s upcoming capital market.

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Ethiopian Banks Break Records in Africa’s 2025 Top 100 Rankings

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