CBE
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Africa's largest bank by deposits, powering Ethiopia's financial future
2.07T ETB
TOTAL ASSETS
1.69T ETB
DEPOSITS
1,971
BRANCHES
30M
CBE BIRR USERS
9M USERS
MOBILE BANKING
21M
CARDHOLDERS
Overview
About Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia commands a dominant 50.4% market share of the country's total banking assets, with 2.07 trillion ETB in total assets as of February 2025, making it one of Africa's largest banks.
CBE digital transformation is accelerating: 79% of all money transfers are now digital. The bank serves 30 million CBE Birr users, 9 million mobile banking customers, and 21 million cardholders, with 4,000+ POS terminals for cashless commerce.
In January 2026, CBE launched CBE Connect, a digital platform integrating 7+ financial services enabling direct transfers from global banks to Ethiopian fintech wallets, supporting multiple currencies and fee-free transfers.
Problem Statements
Challenges for Startups
Alternative Credit Scoring
Most Ethiopians lack formal credit history. Build AI credit scoring models using mobile money data, utility payments, and social metrics to unlock lending for the unbanked.
Formalizing Remittances
Ethiopia receives billions in diaspora remittances, many through informal channels. Create digital corridors that bring remittances into the formal financial system via CBE Connect.
Offline Digital Payments
79% of CBE transfers are digital, but rural connectivity gaps remain. Build offline-capable payment solutions that work without internet, syncing when connectivity returns.
Innovation Areas
Where Startups Can Innovate
AI-powered alternative credit scoring for the unbanked
Offline-first payment solutions for rural areas
Blockchain-based remittance corridors for the diaspora
Open banking APIs and fintech integration
Digital loan processing for existing digital loan customers
Ready to Build?
Solve Commercial Bank of Ethiopia's Biggest Challenges
Apply through KAMA to work directly with CBE on national-scale innovation.
Apply Now →