The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has reached a new milestone in enhancing the country’s capital market infrastructure. In a ceremony held on the exchange’s trading floor, Prime Capital Investment Bank was officially inducted as the eighth licensed trading member. The addition of this new member expands the market’s ecosystem and strengthens the infrastructure necessary to connect investors with diverse capital opportunities.
The induction ceremony followed Prime Capital’s acquisition of its operational license from the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). By meeting the stringent requirements set by both the regulator and the exchange, the institution has demonstrated its readiness to actively participate in Ethiopia’s organized securities market.
These entities play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between issuers and investors, thereby mobilizing the long-term capital essential for Ethiopia’s industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth.
Habib Mohammed, CEO of Prime Capital Investment Bank, described this development as a significant breakthrough for both his institution and the Ethiopian economy. During the event, he stated, “We are proud to become a trading member of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange and to contribute to the process of building a modern, transparent, and inclusive capital market.” The bank is prepared to provide comprehensive services, including brokerage services to facilitate the purchase and sale of securities in both primary and secondary markets; capital raising to support private companies and state-owned enterprises in securing necessary equity and debt financing; and strategic advisory services to provide domestic firms with international-standard research, investment banking, as well as merger and acquisition (M&A) support.
Tilahun Esmael, CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, welcomed the new member, noting that Prime Capital’s arrival signifies more than just an increase in membership numbers. “This shows that the Ethiopian capital market is growing steadily and that the number of institutions committed to accelerating this growth is increasing,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that a strong, transparent, and credible capital market is a fundamental pillar for a modern and competitive economy.
For its part, Prime Capital noted that it has made significant investments in modern technological infrastructure and regulatory compliance systems. The bank’s leadership highlighted that as Ethiopia adopts international financial standards, domestic enterprises must rely on professional and well-regulated intermediaries to navigate the complexities of the market.
