Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest nations and a rising economic giant in East Africa. Its capital, Addis Ababa, serves as the diplomatic heart of the continent. In 2026, Ethiopia continues its transition toward a market-based economy, with real GDP growth projected at a robust 8.0%. Significant reforms to liberalize the foreign exchange regime have successfully stabilized the Birr and boosted formal remittance inflows, which remain a vital lifeline for the population of over 135 million. The economy is driven by massive infrastructure projects, a dominant agricultural sector (coffee and oilseeds), and a rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union is highly accessible in Ethiopia through long-standing partnerships with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and nearly all private commercial banks.
- Addis Ababa – Bole Road, Piazza, Mercato (Largest Open Market), and Kazanchis
- Adama (Nazret) – Main Commercial Road and Post Office area
- Dire Dawa – Near the Railway Station and City Centre
- Mekelle – Romanat Square and Kedamay Woyane
- Bahir Dar – Near Lake Tana and the Main Market
- Hawassa – Lakefront district and Piazza
- Gondar – Near the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure)
- Jimma – Central Business District
- Dessie – Arada district
- Jigjiga – Eastern regional trade hub
- Arba Minch – Secha and Sikela districts
- Sodo (Wolaita) – Central Square
MoneyGram
MoneyGram services are widely available through Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, and Abyssinia Bank branches nationwide.
- Addis Ababa – Churchill Road and Haya Hulet
- Bishoftu (Debre Zeyit) – Main Highway hub
- Shashemene – South-central transit corridor
- Harar – Historic Gate area
- Gambela – Regional administrative center
Ria Money Transfer
Ria is facilitated through Hibret Bank, Berhan Bank, and Nib International Bank, as well as digital integrations with local wallets.
- Addis Ababa – Saris, Gerji, and Megenagna
- Asosa – Benishangul-Gumuz regional hub
- Semera – Afar regional center
Mobile Money & Digital Payouts (The 2026 Standard)
In 2026, digital remittances to mobile wallets have become the preferred method for the Ethiopian diaspora, offering instant settlement to millions of users:
- telebirr (Ethio Telecom) – The nation’s largest mobile money platform. It allows direct receipt of international funds via the “telebirr Remit” app and partners like Remitly and WorldRemit.
- M-PESA Ethiopia (Safaricom) – A major player providing real-time international transfers directly to Safaricom SIM cards.
- CBE Birr – The mobile banking arm of the state-owned Commercial Bank, widely used for rural and urban micro-transfers.
Major Bank & Financial Partners
Ethiopia’s banking sector is the regulated gateway for all formal transfers. By 2026, foreign banks have begun entering the market under new liberalization laws:
- Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE – The state-owned giant with 1,900+ branches)
- Awash Bank (The largest private bank in Ethiopia)
- Dashen Bank (A leader in digital payment innovation)
- Bank of Abyssinia (BoA – Extensive remittance network)
- Hibret Bank
- Wegagen Bank
- Zemen Bank (Focus on corporate and high-value transfers)
- Cooperative Bank of Oromia (CBO – Vital for agricultural and regional payouts)