Addis Ababa, December 9, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia officially launched its National Digital Payment Strategy (NDPS 2026–2030) and the Instant Payment System today at the 2nd Ethiopian Digital Payment Conference in Addis Ababa.
The five-year strategy charts a roadmap for interoperability, trust, and innovation within the country’s digital finance sector. The conference brought together senior government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh, policymakers, regulators, banks, technology innovators, and development partners to accelerate Ethiopia’s shift toward a digital, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen emphasized that expanding technological access can drive economic growth and improve citizens’ lives. “Through steady reform, Ethiopia has laid the foundation for a modern digital economy,” he said, highlighting the country’s measurable progress in expanding access to digital financial services.
Temesgen noted that millions of Ethiopians now participate in the digital economy, enabled by key infrastructure such as the National Digital ID, Fayda. “Our investment in digital public infrastructure has been central to this transformation,” he added, revealing that Ethiopia now processes over 18.5 trillion birr in digital transactions annually.
He also highlighted one-stop service centers as a demonstration of digital transformation, describing them as models of efficient and modern service delivery. Government initiatives, including e-Gov Service and MESOB, now provide hundreds of services online, enhancing transparency and efficiency. The entry of Safaricom Ethiopia and improvements in internet connectivity have further boosted participation in the digital economy.
Temesgen acknowledged remaining challenges, noting gaps in digital usage between urban and rural communities, as well as between genders, with many citizens still lacking trust in digital systems. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the future, calling on financial institutions, innovators, academia, and development partners to collaborate in building a more inclusive digital economy.
“Let us work together to ensure every Ethiopian can fully engage in the digital economy,” he said. “This collective effort will create opportunities that support agriculture, empower women and youth, and stimulate overall economic growth.”
National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign also addressed the conference, highlighting the rapid adoption of digital payment systems and ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, which are improving efficiency, security, and financial inclusion. “Ethiopia is increasingly recognized as a market with immense digital potential,” he said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the newly launched national digital payment framework.