Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (FMC) — The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has reiterated restrictions on unauthorized virtual asset activities, cautioning the public against engaging in unregulated digital transactions that could expose them to legal, financial, cyber, and fraud-related risks.
The central bank said the use, purchase, sale, exchange, transfer, trading, settlement, and facilitation of transactions involving virtual assets are prohibited unless they are expressly authorized by the NBE under the existing legal framework.
The Bank clarified that the restriction extends beyond cryptocurrencies and applies to digital representations of value that can be electronically traded, transferred, exchanged, or used for payment, investment, or similar purposes.
In a public notice issued on July 23, the NBE stated that the prohibition covers activities including the exchange of virtual assets with fiat currencies, exchange between different forms of virtual assets, transfer of virtual assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual assets or instruments that enable control over such assets, as well as participation in or provision of financial services related to the issuance and sale of virtual assets.
The NBE advised members of the public to refrain from engaging in any unauthorized virtual asset-related transactions and activities outlined under the notice.
The Bank warned that involvement in unregulated virtual asset activities may expose individuals and businesses to various risks, including legal challenges, fraud and scams, cyber threats, operational failures, market manipulation, and significant financial losses.
The NBE urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid exposure to virtual asset activities that are not approved within Ethiopia’s regulatory framework.