In a move signaling a new era for Ethiopia’s financial landscape, Intercontinental investment bank (iibGroup) has officially announced the opening of a regulated banking representative office in Addis Ababa.
This strategic expansion, finalized on March 27, 2026, makes iibGroup the first international financial institution to secure such a license following the country’s landmark banking reforms.
The establishment of this office is a cornerstone of iibGroup’s long-term regional strategy in East Africa.
While Ethiopia currently hosts 15 representative offices, iib’s entry is distinguished by being the first post-reform, underscoring the Group’s commitment to the Ethiopian market and its readiness to support the modernization of the country’s financial services.
The Addis Ababa office will function as a vital link between local enterprises and the international financial stage.
Aynalem Ababu, the Chief Representative Officer in Addis Ababa, stated that the bank aims to serve as a bridge between Ethiopian businesses and international markets.
Furthermore, she noted that the Group is prepared to support international investment into major national infrastructure initiatives, specifically highlighting the Bishoftu airport project and its planned aerotropolis development.
Operating within the established regulatory framework, this office will focus primarily on developing deep relationships with local financial institutions, engaging with key stakeholders, and conducting market research to identify emerging opportunities in the evolving financial sector.
It will also serve as a liaison through which Ethiopian businesses can access iibGroup’s broader international banking capabilities and regional network.
Another primary focus of this expansion is the reinforcement of the Ethiopia–Djibouti trade corridor.
As the route for the majority of Ethiopia’s import and export trade, this corridor is strategically vital to the region; consequently, iib East Africa in Djibouti will provide specialized commercial and transactional banking services tailored to this route.
Sohail Sultan, Chairman of iibGroup, characterized Ethiopia as one of the most exciting frontier opportunities in global finance today, reiterating that the Group’s presence reflects a long-term commitment to Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa.
According to the company’s data, iibGroup Holdings W.L.L. is a Bahrain-based international investment and banking group with operations spanning East and West Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
The Group is known for deploying capital into high-impact sectors including digital infrastructure, trade, and financial inclusion, while maintaining a focus on supporting SMEs and empowering women- and youth-led enterprises.
iib East Africa, based in Djibouti, is a licensed banking institution serving corporate and institutional clients with a mandate to advance private sector development and financial innovation across the region.
