Accessing adequate levels of finance is essential for job creation, increased productivity, and reducing poverty. Yet, Ethiopia’s capital markets are underdeveloped and underutilized due to multidimensional challenges such as collateral-heavy private loans, limited access to risk capital for early stage venture funding, and government policies that restrict foreign investment.

A concerted effort between government agencies, the private sector, and other development partners is key to creating a resilient financial market system that responds to Ethiopia’s socio-economic challenges and enables local and individual ownership of Ethiopia’s economic future.