Ethiopian banks have improved their positions in the 2025 Africa Business Top 100 African Banks Report, showing steady progress in the country’s financial sector. Six Ethiopian banks are included in this year’s list, up from five in 2024 and only two in 2022.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) remains the highest ranked Ethiopian bank, placed 29^th, down one position from last year’s 28^th. The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) rose slightly to 43^rd from 44^th. Awash International Bank recorded the most notable improvement, moving up 18 places to 50^th, with Tier 1 capital of USD 507 million. Dashen Bank advanced from 87^th to 71^st, and Bank of Abyssinia from 89^th to 72^nd. The Cooperative Bank of Oromia entered the list for the first time at 93^rd.

Ethiopia’s growing presence in the rankings reflects ongoing changes in the banking sector. Reforms aimed at liberalizing the market, allowing more competition, and expanding the use of digital services are gradually strengthening the country’s financial institutions. The government’s plan to open the sector to foreign investment is also expected to support further growth and competition.

Across the continent, Standard Bank of South Africa continues to hold the top position, with Tier 1 capital of USD 13.2 billion, up from USD 12.5 billion last year. The National Bank of Egypt remains in second place with USD 7.3 billion, followed by Attijariwafa Bank of Morocco with USD 6.2 billion. North African banks continue to perform strongly, with 42 banks in the top 100, while East Africa has 21 entries.

Although East Africa’s combined Tier 1 capital of USD 12.7 billion is the lowest among regions, it shows the fastest growth, up from USD 10.5 billion last year. Kenya leads the region with ten banks in the list, but Ethiopia’s steady rise is attracting attention.

Across all African banks, total Tier 1 capital stands at USD 126 billion in 2025, compared to USD 120 billion in 2024. While this is still below the USD 135 billion recorded in 2022, the figures suggest a stable year for the continent’s financial institutions despite economic challenges.

According to the report, the progress of Ethiopian banks indicates gradual improvement in financial strength and governance. The report states that the growing use of digital banking, increased customer outreach, and participation in regional systems such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are helping to integrate the sector more closely with the rest of the continent.

Source: African Business Magazine