Addis Ababa, Ethiopia/Manama, Bahrain, March 27, 2026 – iibGroup has officially opened a Representative Office in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s long-term regional strategy in East Africa. The new office will enable iibGroup to deepen its engagement with Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem, support cross-border investment, and position the Group to play a constructive role as the country advances reforms aimed at modernizing and opening its financial landscape. While there are 15 representative offices in Ethiopia, iib is the first to obtain this significant license post-reform, which underscores our commitment to the Ethiopian market.
Ethiopia’s Financial Liberalization Creates New Opportunities
As regulatory reforms continue to unfold, the market is expected to unlock new opportunities in foreign investment, trade facilitation, and financial services innovation. Building on its regional platform through iib East Africa in Djibouti, iib’s presence in Addis Ababa positions the Group among the first international financial institutions establishing a footprint in Ethiopia. Through its regional expertise and transactional banking capabilities, the bank aims to support Ethiopia’s expanding trade and investment landscape while building long-term partnerships with local institutions and businesses. iib is well positioned to leverage its experience and networks across the Horn of Africa to support Ethiopia’s financial sector transformation.
