The National Bank of Ethiopia has unveiled the “National Strategy Regional Implementation” initiative aimed at reducing disparities in financial inclusion across different regions. This strategy, which marks the second financial blueprint for Ethiopia spanning from 2021 to 2025, has received approval from the Council of Ministers.

Identifying the existing gaps in inclusivity through a comprehensive survey, the strategy outlines 11 programs under the National Strategy Regional Implementation. These programs prioritize digital finance, women’s empowerment, and regions with limited access to financial services.

Recognizing the less-than-optimal outcomes of previous efforts to implement national-level strategies at the regional level, particular attention has been given to addressing deficiencies and adapting to specific regional conditions. The strategy will be rolled out in regions identified as having low levels of financial inclusion, including Gambela, Harar, and the Somali region.

According to the National Bank’s documentation, the first National Financial Inclusion Strategy, developed in 2016, concluded its implementation period in 2020. Nearly 80% of the 49 outlined actions in the strategy, encompassing the stated interventions, have been successfully completed. This has yielded substantial results, surpassing several targets set forth in the strategy.