Wegagen Bank has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines’ ShebaMiles loyalty programme to introduce a co-branded payment card that allows customers to earn travel rewards on everyday purchases.
The Wegagen ShebaMiles Payment Card was unveiled at a ceremony at the bank’s headquarters, attended by senior executives, airline representatives and invited guests.
Wegagen Bank Chief Information Officer Goitom Gebretsadkan said cardholders will accumulate ShebaMiles points on qualifying payments made through the bank’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals at shops and service establishments. Customers can redeem the points for benefits such as complimentary flights, additional baggage, airport lounge access and priority check-in, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
New cardholders will receive 50 ShebaMiles points as a welcome bonus. Customers with active Wegagen accounts can apply through the Wegagen Mobile app and collect their cards from a nearby branch. Applications are also available in person at bank branches.
Solomon Mekonnen, Ethiopian Airlines’ customer loyalty manager, said the partnership would expand reward opportunities for passengers by connecting routine spending with the airline’s loyalty programme.
The product launch forms part of Wegagen’s efforts to expand its digital banking and payment services as it implements a new five-year strategy.
The bank currently operates 457 branches, 400 ATMs, 726 POS terminals and 13,157 agents nationwide, alongside internet and mobile banking platforms. The bank also offers conventional and interest-free banking products nationwide. Its paid-up capital exceeds Birr 10 billion, while total capital stands at Birr 15.8 billion.
Established by 16 founding shareholders with initial paid-up capital of Birr 30 million, Wegagen will celebrate its 30th anniversary in June 2027. It is also listed on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange and has established Wegagen Capital, a private investment bank.
Ethiopian Airlines serves more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.
Source (including image): Press release sent to 2Merkato from Wegagen Bank
