Bank Navigates Economic Pressures with Strong Growth

At the bank’s 17th Annual Regular and 6th Extraordinary General Meetings, Chairman Asfa Semee detailed the institution’s approach to managing severe macroeconomic friction. The bank expanded its financial footprint amid industry-wide liquidity constraints while maintaining strict cost discipline.

Operating costs were capped at 11.42 billion Birr, enabling revenue growth to significantly outpace expenses. Total assets reached 105.7 billion Birr—a 24% annual increase—while deposits rose identically by 24% to 88.1 billion Birr.

The bank maintained a non-performing loan ratio of 2.43%, below the central bank’s 5% regulatory threshold, indicating disciplined risk management. Retail deposits grew 9.7% to 7.54 million accounts, with digital banking users climbing to 5.7 million.