Zemen Bank S.C. has delivered a historic performance for the 2024/25 fiscal year, achieving its highest profit and revenue to date. The results mark a defining year for the bank as it continues to strengthen its position among Ethiopia’s most efficient and consistently high-performing institutions.

Financial Highlights

• Profit before tax: 8.2 billion birr — up 148% from 3.3 billion birr last year
• Total revenue: 14.4 billion birr, an 86% increase year-on-year
• Total assets: 88.6 billion birr, a 50% rise compared to 2023/24
• Customer deposits: 64.7 billion birr, up 48% from the previous year
• Foreign currency mobilization: USD 588 million, a 4% increase
• Earnings per share (EPS): 68.3%, reflecting strong shareholder returns

Surging Profits and Strategic Growth

Zemen’s profit performance represents a major leap from the previous year, driven by strong growth in both interest income and foreign exchange operations. The bank capitalized on greater forex availability and rising demand in the market, translating these opportunities into exceptional income growth.

In a statement, CEO Dereje Zebene noted that the results stemmed from Zemen’s strategic direction and operational discipline.

“Timely and proper use of available resources was key to achieving these results,”
said Dereje.
“Our focus on efficiency, risk management, and opportunity-driven growth has made all the difference.”

---

Capital Strength and Efficiency

The bank’s paid-up capital increased to 9.4 billion birr, up from 7.45 billion birr in 2023/24 — a sign of continued confidence and strong shareholder support. This growth provides the bank with a solid base for future expansion and risk absorption.

Zemen maintained a lean operating structure, prioritizing efficiency and profitability over rapid branch expansion. The bank’s branch network grew modestly, aligning with its “smart growth” approach that focuses on maximizing returns rather than physical size.

---

Positioned for a Changing Financial Landscape

Ethiopia’s ongoing economic and financial sector reforms — including exchange rate adjustments and preparations for the Ethiopian capital market — have opened new opportunities for adaptive institutions like Zemen.

CEO Dereje emphasized the importance of staying ahead of these reforms through strategic readiness and forward planning.

“These changes are creating a more competitive and transparent financial environment,”
he said.
“Zemen Bank is fully prepared to adapt and lead in this evolving market.”

---

Looking Ahead

The bank’s management and shareholders have outlined an ambitious roadmap for growth, aiming to further strengthen capital, enhance technology adoption, and expand into new service areas as Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem evolves.

📌 With record-breaking profit, rising assets, and a disciplined strategy, Zemen Bank’s 2024/25 performance cements its reputation as one of Ethiopia’s most dynamic and efficient banks.

Sources: The performance figures and statements are drawn from Zemen Bank’s end-of-year report and public disclosures, as well as last year’s annual report for comparative data. Additional context on Ethiopia’s financial sector reforms is provided by recent news reports and industry analyses. Zemen Bank’s executives and official communications have been cited to illustrate strategic insights. All data are preliminary and subject to final audit confirmation