Dashen Bank and the Bank of Abyssinia are set to be listed on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) in the coming weeks, marking a significant expansion of the nation’s capital market. It has been five months since both institutions received approval in principle from the ESX, signaling that they have successfully navigated the initial registration phases required for public trading.
While these listings are now imminent, the two banks have been key entities in the exchange's listing pipeline since February 2026, alongside other major financial institutions including Awash Bank, Abay Bank, and Amhara Bank. Their transition toward becoming publicly traded entities follows a period of rigorous financial preparation and regulatory alignment.
To prepare for this transition, both banks concluded significant capital-raising rounds designed to strengthen their financial positions and meet regulatory requirements. The following table summarizes their most recent share offerings:
| Bank |
Target Raise (ETB) |
Price per Share (ETB) |
Purpose |
| Dashen Bank |
6.4 Billion |
2,900 |
Capital adequacy for listing |
| Bank of Abyssinia |
5.0 Billion |
1,600 |
Capital adequacy for listing |
Dashen Bank, which reported total assets of 254.49 billion ETB and a pre-offering paid-up capital of 14.34 billion ETB, conducted its offering between late 2025 and May 2026. The Bank of Abyssinia, with assets of 286.23 billion ETB and 15.00 billion ETB in paid-up capital, executed its rights issue from January to April 2026.
Why it matters for the Ethiopian market
The entry of these institutions into the ESX is expected to significantly deepen the local capital market. For investors, these listings provide a new avenue for equity participation in the banking sector. According to Aksion bank sector data, these institutions rank among the top 5 largest private players in terms of assets and deposits, and their entry into the exchange is seen as a bellwether for the broader maturation of Ethiopia's financial sector.
While the ESX has granted approval in principle, both banks continue to work toward fulfilling the final listing requirements before their shares can officially begin trading. The progress of these listings remains a focal point for market participants, signaling a shift toward more transparent, corporate-governance-focused financial operations in Ethiopia. Investors can track the latest developments and live stock price data as these entities move closer to their official market debut.
