By Robai Ludenyi
Dashen Bank and global digital payments company Visa have entered into a five-year strategic partnership aimed at expanding digital payment services, strengthening financial inclusion and supporting the growth of Ethiopia’s digital economy.
The agreement will bring together Dashen Bank’s established presence in the Ethiopian financial sector and Visa’s international payments expertise to develop secure, convenient and innovative payment solutions for consumers, businesses and merchants across the country.
Under the partnership, the two institutions will work on increasing the acceptance of digital payments, expanding card issuance and improving cross-border payment services. They also plan to introduce new payment experiences designed to meet the changing needs of customers and businesses as digital transactions continue to gain importance.
The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of Ethiopia’s payment infrastructure while creating opportunities for more individuals and enterprises to participate in the country’s digital economy. Dashen Bank, one of Ethiopia’s largest private financial institutions, serves millions of customers through its nationwide branch network, merchant outlets and digital banking platforms. The bank has continued to invest in financial innovation and access to modern banking services.
Dashen Bank Chief Executive Officer Asfaw Alemu said the partnership would strengthen the institution’s ability to provide secure and accessible payment solutions to more Ethiopians. He noted that innovation and customer value remain central to the bank’s operations, adding that working with Visa would help improve customer experiences, expand digital payment access and support the country’s digital transformation.
Visa’s Cluster Head for Eastern Africa and Country Manager for Ethiopia, Yared Woldesenbet, described the agreement as an important step in the company’s efforts to advance the future of payments in Ethiopia. Woldesenbet said Visa’s global network, technological capabilities and payments expertise would complement Dashen Bank’s local market presence and customer reaches. The partnership will focus on strengthening payment acceptance infrastructure, encouraging digital payment usage and supporting financial inclusion.
The five-year agreement provides a framework for continued cooperation in payment innovation and the delivery of additional value to Dashen Bank customers. Both organisations said the partnership aligns with Ethiopia’s development priorities by promoting wider access to digital financial services and supporting economic participation.