By Emmanuel Nduka
Ethiopia has launched the Ethiopian Security Exchange (ESX), a groundbreaking move aimed at accelerating the country’s economic growth and creating a more organized investment environment.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed unveiled the new exchange on Friday, highlighting its importance in providing Ethiopian businesses with a structured platform to issue stocks and bonds, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
“This is a historic moment for our economy and financial system,” Ahmed said in a statement shared on his social media. “With the launch of the ESX, we are opening the door to unprecedented opportunities for investment.”
While this marks a significant milestone, it is not Ethiopia’s first attempt at a securities exchange. The country had a stock market in the 1960s, which was shut down following the nationalization policies of the Derg regime in the 1970s. The launch of the ESX is seen as a revival of Ethiopia’s capital market.
The new exchange is expected to encourage private investments, improve liquidity, foster savings, and strengthen the nation’s financial institutions. By providing a platform for both local and foreign investors to participate, the ESX aims to support Ethiopia’s long-term economic development.
“As we lay the foundation for lasting financial stability and growth, we invite investors to join us in building a robust capital market,” Prime Minister Ahmed stated.
The launch of the ESX represents a critical step towards integrating Ethiopia into the global financial system and bolstering its financial ecosystem.
