NBE to Launch Interdealer FX Platform, Ease Export Surrender Rules Under Reform Drive

As part of ongoing macroeconomic and foreign exchange reforms, the National Bank of Ethiopia plans to introduce an interdealer trading platform and ease surrender requirements for commodity exporters by the end of the fiscal year.

The interbank foreign exchange market was launched on January 28 using the trading infrastructure of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, which includes a dedicated FX segment designed to improve transparency and pricing.

Under the reform roadmap, the new interdealer platform will enable anonymous, real-time FX trading among major financial institutions and is expected to become operational in the first quarter of the 2026/27 fiscal year.

According to the latest review by the International Monetary Fund, Ethiopia will also gradually reduce surrender requirements as the FX market develops.

Authorities plan to introduce new monitoring indicators and allow exporters more flexibility in using foreign currency held in retention accounts, with implementation expected by June 2026.

Recent amendments to foreign exchange rules now allow service exporters and companies operating in Special Economic Zones to retain 100 percent of their foreign currency earnings.

The reforms also permit banks to issue international foreign currency cards, remove the $100 minimum balance requirement for FX savings accounts, and expand the use of foreign currency for education, medical, and travel expenses.

Overall, the measures signal a shift toward a more market-based and flexible foreign exchange system.