The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has formally commenced trading, launching with Wegagen Bank as its first listed entity.
The exchange began operations on January 10, 2025, initiating a long-planned effort to deepen Ethiopia's capital markets and provide a formal venue for equity trading in Africa's tenth-most populous nation.
The launch anchors a broader expansion of African financial markets, which have collectively surpassed the $2 trillion combined market value threshold.
The launch anchors a broader expansion of African financial markets, which have collectively surpassed the $2 trillion combined market value threshold.
This aggregate figure represents a significant increase in the continent's total capitalization, driven by deepening liquidity in established hubs and the emergence of new exchanges in previously closed economies.
Ethiopia's entry into the formal equity market comes as the country continues economic liberalization efforts.
The ruling Prosperity Party recently retained a commanding majority in parliament following general elections, consolidating political stability that underpins the government's broader reform agenda.