cbe

162.8245
USD
159.8319
163.0285
163.8789
,
0
GBP
211.7162
215.9506
214.9603
,
188.0135
EUR
184.9415
188.6403
184.4919
,
0
CHF
194.386
198.2737
197.4176
,
0
SEK
16.591
16.9229
17.0341
,
0
NOK
16.544
16.8748
17.0883
,
0
DKK
24.2787
24.7643
0
,
0
DJF
0.9
0.918
0
,
0
JPY
0.9968
1.0167
0
,
113.7111
CAD
112.4534
114.7025
116.3701
,
43.3563
SAR
42.5708
43.4222
44.273
,
0
AED
43.5189
44.3893
45.3728
,
1.7118
INR
1.6788
1.7123
0
,
0
KES
1.2366
1.2613
0
,
0
AUD
110.8459
113.0629
0
,
0
ZAR
9.9121
10.1104
0
,
0
CNY
23.2479
23.7128
0
,
0
KWD
510.8697
521.0871
0

awash

162.3108
USD
159.936
163.1347
160.6058
,
0
GBP
212.5111
216.7613
212.4061
,
0
EUR
186.6058
190.3379
187.9044
,
0
JPY
1.0193
1.0397
0
,
0
SAR
43.578
44.4496
0
,
0
AED
44.5242
45.4147
0
,
0
CHF
198.0579
202.0191
0
,
0
CNY
0
0
0

abyssinia

164.9359
USD
160.3882
163.596
162.1233
,
0
GBP
213.6582
217.9314
216.2383
,
190.8192
EUR
187.5665
191.3178
189.4376
,
45.6003
AED
44.7082
45.6024
44.7062
,
201.6124
CHF
197.6592
201.6124
0
,
0
SEK
16.5896
16.9214
16.5896
,
17.017
NOK
16.6833
17.017
16.6833
,
0
CAD
113.7028
115.9769
113.7028
,
44.932
SAR
44.053
44.9341
44.051
,
0
CNY
23.5767
24.0482
23.5766

abay

167.2743
USD
163.2118
166.476
162.2392
,
0
GBP
214.2121
218.4963
0
,
0
EUR
185.2456
188.9505
185.2456
,
0
AED
43.3186
44.185
43.3186
,
0
ZAR
9.7905
9.9863
0
,
0
SAR
42.6076
43.4598
0
,
0
JPY
1.0184
1.0388
0
,
0
CHF
197.6008
201.5528
0
,
0
AUD
112.604
114.8561
0
,
0
CNY
23.7087
24.1829
0

zemen

165.0385
USD
159.938
163.1368
161.8136
,
192.5555
EUR
186.9351
190.6738
189.5632
,
0
GBP
212.1537
216.3968
0
,
0
SEK
16.8255
17.162
0
,
0
AED
43.5466
44.4175
0
,
0
CAD
114.0358
116.3165
0
,
0
CHF
196.9956
200.9355
0
,
0
NOK
16.7743
17.1098
0

buna

0
USD
162.957
166.2161
,
0
EUR
187.3035
191.0496
,
0
GBP
215.1015
219.4035
,
0
AED
43.102
43.964
,
0
SAR
42.5057
43.3558
,
0
CAD
102.0001
104.0401
,
0
AUD
111.3649
113.5922
,
0
JPY
0.991
1.0108

nib

164.506
USD
159.2829
162.4686
165.4066
,
222.5129
GBP
213.2479
217.5129
0
,
0
EUR
185.3257
189.0322
0
,
0
CHF
197.1079
201.0501
0
,
0
CAD
112.3055
114.5516
0
,
0
AED
43.3682
44.2356
0
,
0
SAR
42.42
43.2684
0
,
0
ZAR
0
0
0

berhan

0
USD
160.2858
163.4915
,
0
EUR
188.8198
192.5962
,
0
GBP
217.8813
222.2389
,
0
CAD
114.4899
116.7797
,
0
AED
43.6413
44.5141
,
0
CNY
23.7485
24.2235

wegagen

168.3133
USD
159.8072
163.0033
162.4094
,
217.1709
GBP
215.5959
219.9078
0
,
201.4191
EUR
188.2421
192.0069
0
,
0
CHF
197.8095
201.7656
0
,
0
SEK
16.8278
17.1644
0
,
0
CNY
23.6834
24.1571
0
,
0
AED
43.5155
44.3858
0
,
0
JPY
1.0068
1.0269
0

dgb

162.8133
USD
159.6209
162.8133
159.6209
,
0
EUR
183.1121
186.7743
0
,
0
GBP
208.1627
212.326
0
,
0
AED
44.1887
45.0725
0

enat

0
USD
160.0118
163.212
,
0
EUR
184.9166
188.6149
,
0
GBP
211.5005
215.7305
,
0
CAD
112.8003
115.0563
,
0
AED
42.4307
43.2793
,
0
CNY
23.0776
23.5392

ahadu

0
EUR
188.7372
192.5119
0
,
0
CAD
113.5182
115.7886
,
0
SAR
42.5111
43.3614
,
0
AED
43.4569
44.326
,
162.5798
USD
159.5953
162.7872
162.5798
,
0
GBP
211.7623
215.9975
0

addis

163.6673
USD
160.0056
163.2057
162.3194
,
0
EUR
182.9705
186.6299
186.1522
,
0
GBP
214.5035
218.7936
0
,
0
SAR
42.6079
43.4601
224.5035
,
0
CHF
197.8064
201.7625
0
,
0
AED
43.565
44.4363
0
,
0
KWD
0
0
0

dashen

165.3693
USD
159.9377
163.1365
162.2715
,
0
GBP
212.846
217.1029
0
,
47.1173
AED
46.1934
47.1173
46.1934
,
192.2175
EUR
187.2415
190.9863
187.5124
,
0
CHF
204.4831
208.5728
0
,
0
KES
1.2048
1.2289
0
,
0
ZAR
8.6671
8.8404
0
,
0
SEK
14.7635
15.0588
0
,
0
JPY
1.0543
1.0754
0
,
46.1569
SAR
45.2519
,
0
CNY
22.1867

sidama

165.1383
USD
159.9396
163.1384
0
,
0
EUR
184.12
187.8023
0
,
0
GBP
208.4964
212.6663
0
,
0
AED
45.4313
46.3399
0
,
0
CAD
111.6961
113.93
0
,
0
CNY
23.5463
24.0172
0
,
0
AUD
0
,
0
INR
0
,
0
JPY
0
,
0
SAR
0

oromia

163.1289
USD
131.8845
134.5222
163.086
,
222.1492
GBP
173.771
177.2464
0
,
0
EUR
146.1148
149.0371
0
,
0
CHF
159.3385
162.5253
0
,
0
SAR
35.5189
35.562
0
,
0
AED
35.9026
36.6206
0

lion

developmentbank

0
USD
160.1367
163.3395
,
0
GBP
215.496
219.8059
,
0
EUR
184.7978
188.4937
,
0
CHF
198.0419
202.0028
,
0
SEK
16.8801
17.2177
,
0
NOK
16.8144
17.1507
,
0
DKK
24.7208
25.2153
,
0
DJF
0.8969
0.9148
,
0
JPY
1.0165
1.0369
,
0
CAD
113.9601
116.2393
,
0
SAR
42.636
43.4888
,
0
AED
43.5924
44.4643
,
0
INR
1.6834
1.7171
,
0
KES
1.2371
1.2618
,
0
AUD
112.8643
115.1216
,
0
SDR
218.6186
222.991
,
0
ZAR
9.7955
9.9914
,
0
CNY
23.7233
24.1977
,
0
KWD
521.3571
531.7842

coop

163.0325
USD
159.9158
163.1141
162.8833
,
0
GBP
211.4872
215.7169
,
190.074
EUR
186.4071
190.1352
186.3471
,
47.1281
AED
46.204
47.1281
,
45.5816
SAR
44.6878
45.5816
,
0
CNY
20.6172
21.0295

gadaa

164.7828
USD
160.3584
163.5656
160.3584
,
0
GBP
205.8051
209.9212
0
,
0
EUR
184.8039
188.5
0
,
0
CHF
134.1436
136.8265
0
,
0
SAR
33.0073
33.6674
0
,
0
AED
33.7659
34.4412
0

hijra

0
USD
160.1388
163.3416
,
0
EUR
188.18
191.9436
,
0
SAR
45.2522
46.1572
,
0
AED
47.1668
48.1101

amhara

163.1999
USD
159.9999
163.1999
162.6149
,
0
GBP
215.3919
219.6997
222.3919
,
0
EUR
184.6719
188.3653
191.6719
,
0
CAD
114.3101
116.5963
113.895
,
0
AED
43.5658
44.4372
0
,
0
SAR
42.6053
43.4574
0
,
0
JPY
0

tsehay

169.1
USD
159.9971
163.197
158.0001
,
0
GBP
212.091
216.3328
0
,
0
EUR
186.409
190.1372
0
,
0
CAD
112.6947
114.9486
0
,
0
SAR
44.2675
45.1529
0
,
0
AED
44.2675
45.1529
0

tsedey

163.3303
USD
160.1277
163.3303
160.1277
,
0
EUR
181.801
185.437
,
0
GBP
215.5159
219.8262
,
0
AED
42.0602
42.9014

siinqee

0
USD
161.8017
165.0377
,
0
EUR
188.4674
192.2367
,
0
GBP
212.4034
216.6515
,
0
SAR
44.7315
45.6261
,
0
CHF
178.93
182.5086
,
0
AED
46.7295
47.6641

hibret

0
USD
159.951
163.15
,
0
GBP
212.8492
217.1062
,
0
EUR
188.7745
192.55
,
0
AED
43.5502
44.4212
,
0
CAD
113.9009
116.1789
,
0
CNY
23.6814
24.155
,
0
CHF
197.7389
201.6937

gohbetoch

163.2947
USD
160.0928
163.2947
160.0928
,
184.1209
EUR
180.5107
184.1209
180.5107
,
209.8616
GBP
205.7467
209.8616
205.7467
,
43.2801
AED
42.4314
43.2801
42.4314

zamzam

163.3007
USD
160.0987
163.3007
160.0987
,
220.068
GBP
211.73
215.9646
215.7529
,
192.55
EUR
188.7745
192.55
188.7745
,
205.631
CHF
197.84
201.7968
201.599
,
115.846
CAD
112.45
114.699
113.5745
,
45.6777
SAR
44.7821
45.6777
44.7821
,
46.8112
AED
45.8933
46.8112
45.8933

nbe

0
JPY
1.0155
1.0256
0
,
0
KWD
520.816
526.0241
0
,
0
CNY
23.6986
23.9356
0
,
0
ZAR
9.7853
9.8832
0
,
0
XDR
218.3917
220.5756
0
,
0
EUR
184.606
186.452
0
,
0
AED
43.5472
43.9826
0
,
0
SAR
42.5918
43.0177
0
,
0
AUD
112.7472
113.8747
0
,
0
CAD
113.8418
114.9802
0
,
0
USD
159.9705
161.5702
0
,
0
KES
1.2358
1.2728
0
,
0
INR
1.6816
1.6985
0
,
0
DJF
0.8959
0.9228
0
,
0
DKK
24.6952
24.9421
0
,
0
NOK
16.7969
16.9649
0
,
0
SEK
16.8626
17.0312
0
,
0
CHF
197.8364
199.8147
0
,
0
GBP
215.2723
217.425
0

omo

163.5
USD
160.372
163.5794
0
,
0
EUR
182.5675
186.2188
0
,
0
GBP
214.0325
218.3131
0
,
0
CAD
113.8481
116.125
0
,
0
AED
43.6693
44.5427
0
,
0
SAR
42.7231
43.5676
0
,
0
CNY
23.6869
24.1607
0

siket

0
USD
159.825
163.0215
0
,
0
GBP
212.1286
216.3712
0
,
0
EUR
186.2628
189.9881
0
,
0
CHF
193.5052
197.3753
0
,
0
SAR
45.3805
46.2881
0
,
0
AED
46.2133
47.1376
0
,
0
CNY
26.769
27.3044
0
,
0
KWD
490.693
500.5069
0

binance

ZamZam Bank Review

ZamZam Bank

ZamZam Bank

5.7 Rating

Interest Free Banking

Islamic Bank

First full pledged Islamic bank

Written by: abenezer   Proof Read by:  abenezer

Pros and Cons

Ethiopia’s first Islamic bank
Full interest free bank
Poor online banking
No saving interest

ZamZam Bank Information

Contact Information

Internet Banking

  • Can Check Balance
  • Can Transfer Money
  • View Account Statement
  • Can Control Progress
  • Can Pay Bills Online

Mobile Banking

  • Mobile Application
  • Balance Inquery
  • USSD Application
  • Mobile Top Up
  • Money Transfer

Apply for a loan here

Banks Ethiopia gives you the access and information you need to get car loan and house loan services in Ethiopia from the bank of your choice. If you are a non resident and/or a foreigner with origin of Ethiopia looking for these loan services, make sure to visit our diaspora mortgage loan and diaspora vehicle loan pages to acquire a more detailed information.

Zamzam Bank Exchange Rate

The exchange rate for Zamzam Bank can also be found at our exchange rates page, along with all other exchange rates in Ethiopia today.

code buying selling Difference
Flag of USD

USD

($)

160.09
163.30

± 3.20

Flag of GBP

GBP

(£)

211.73
215.96

± 4.23

Flag of EUR

EUR

(€)

188.77
192.55

± 3.77

Flag of CHF

CHF

(CHF)

197.84
201.79

± 3.95

Flag of CAD

CAD

($)

112.45
114.69

± 2.24

Flag of SAR

SAR

(ر.س)

44.78
45.67

± 0.89

Flag of AED

AED

(د.إ)

45.89
46.81

± 0.91

About ZamZam Bank

ZamZam Bank S.C. holds a unique and historic position in Ethiopia’s financial sector: it is the country’s first and only full-fledged Interest-Free Bank (IFB). Operating entirely on Islamic finance principles, ZamZam Bank offers a comprehensive range of Sharia-compliant banking products and services to all Ethiopians — regardless of religion — who prefer ethical, interest-free financial solutions.

ZamZam Bank’s journey to becoming a fully licensed bank spans more than a decade of persistence. Its founders began lobbying the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) for a full-fledged interest-free banking license as early as 2007. After 13 years of advocacy and regulatory dialogue, the NBE finally granted a full banking license in late 2019 — a landmark moment for Ethiopia’s Muslim community and for Islamic finance in East Africa. The bank formally commenced full banking operations on June 8, 2021.

Today, ZamZam Bank is a rapidly growing institution with over 500,000 customers, 89+ branches, more than 1,500 employees, and total assets of Birr 16.6 billion as of June 30, 2025. Under the leadership of CEO Melika Bedri and Board Chairman Dr. Nassir Dino, the bank is pursuing an ambitious vision to become the leading Sharia-compliant, all-inclusive bank in Africa by 2030.

Full Banking Operations June 8, 2021
Banking License Granted Late 2019 (after 13 years of advocacy)
CEO Melika Bedri
Board Chairman Dr. Nassir Dino
Total Assets (June 2025) Birr 16.6 billion (+77% year-on-year)
Total Deposits (Dec 2024) Birr 7.7 billion (+38% year-on-year)
Total Customers Over 500,000 (66% growth year-on-year)
Branch Network 89+ branches
Employees Over 1,500
Paid-up Capital Birr 872 million (subscribed: Birr 1.683 billion)
Shareholders 11,200+ shareholders
Headquarters Ethio-China Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Call Centre 9670
Website www.zamzambank.com
SWIFT Code ZMBKETAA

What Makes ZamZam Bank Unique

ZamZam Bank is not simply an Islamic banking window within a conventional bank — it is a fully dedicated, stand-alone interest-free bank. Every product, every service, every transaction, and every internal financial operation is structured in full compliance with Sharia principles, supervised by the bank’s dedicated Sharia Supervisory Board. This distinguishes ZamZam Bank from other Ethiopian banks that offer IFB services as a window alongside conventional interest-based banking.

The bank is also unique in its scope of ambition. While most Ethiopian private banks have domestic growth as their primary goal, ZamZam Bank’s stated vision is pan-African leadership in Islamic finance — positioning Ethiopia as the gateway for Sharia-compliant banking across the continent.

Sharia Supervisory Board

All of ZamZam Bank’s products, services, and internal financial practices are reviewed and certified by an independent Sharia Supervisory Board. This body is composed of qualified Islamic scholars with expertise in both Sharia jurisprudence and contemporary finance. Their role is to ensure that every banking activity strictly adheres to Islamic finance standards, including those set by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB).

Awards & Recognition

  • Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA): ZamZam Bank has received the Global Islamic Finance Award for two consecutive years — one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Islamic finance industry worldwide.
  • Best Bank — Global Brands Magazine 2022: ZamZam Bank was recognized as the Best Bank in Ethiopia by Global Brands Magazine in 2022, reflecting its exceptional growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction in its early years of operation.
  • International Islamic Banking and Takaful Awards: Held in Addis Ababa in August 2024, ZamZam Bank was recognized at this internationally hosted awards event for its contributions to the growth of Islamic finance in Ethiopia.

Deposit Products

ZamZam Bank offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant deposit accounts, structured according to the Islamic finance contracts of Wadi‘ah (safekeeping) and Mudarabah (profit-sharing). No interest is paid or charged on any account; instead, deposit products are structured to either guarantee capital (Wadi‘ah) or share profits from permissible investments (Mudarabah).

Mudarabah Savings Account

The Mudarabah Savings Account is ZamZam Bank’s flagship profit-sharing deposit product. The depositor provides capital, and the bank acts as the fund manager (Mudarib), investing the funds in Sharia-compliant activities. Profits generated are shared between the bank and the depositor according to a pre-agreed ratio. In the event of a loss not caused by negligence, the depositor bears the financial risk while the bank loses its management effort.

This account is available to individuals, organizations, and institutions who wish to earn a return on their savings without engaging in interest-based transactions. It is a demand-accessible account, allowing withdrawals at any time.

Wadi‘ah Savings Account

The Wadi‘ah account is based on the Islamic concept of safekeeping (Wadi‘ah Yad Dhamanah). The bank accepts the deposit as a trust and guarantees the full return of the deposited amount at any time. The bank may use the deposited funds for permissible purposes at its discretion but is not obligated to pay any profit to the depositor, though it may do so voluntarily as a gift (Hibah).

ZamZam Bank offers the following specialized Wadi‘ah accounts:

  • Wadi‘ah Kids Savings Account: Designed for children below the age of 18, with no minimum balance requirement. This account instills financial discipline from a young age through an easy-to-open, parent-approved savings structure that is both educational and Sharia-compliant.
  • An-Nissa Wadi‘ah Savings Account: A savings account designed exclusively for women, in line with ZamZam Bank’s commitment to women’s financial empowerment. It offers a dedicated, Sharia-compliant savings environment tailored to the financial needs and aspirations of female customers.
  • ZamZam SafeBox: A specialized Wadi‘ah account for customers who wish to hold funds in a secure, non-transactional deposit. It functions as a digital safe deposit facility, where the bank holds funds in a dedicated account that is not used for investment purposes.

Amana Account

The Amana Account is a current (demand) deposit account structured on the principle of Amanah (trust). It is a non-interest-bearing, non-profit-sharing account designed for individuals and businesses requiring a transactional account for day-to-day operations. The bank holds the funds as a trustee and is obligated to return them on demand.

Foreign Currency Account

ZamZam Bank offers Sharia-compliant foreign currency savings and current accounts, allowing customers to hold deposits in US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro, and other major currencies. These accounts are structured on Wadi‘ah principles and are designed for both resident Ethiopians with foreign currency income and non-resident diaspora customers.

Diaspora Account

ZamZam Bank provides a dedicated diaspora banking account for Ethiopian nationals living and working abroad. The account is denominated in foreign currency and provides diaspora customers with a secure, Sharia-compliant way to save and invest in Ethiopia from overseas. It supports international remittances and is accessible through the bank’s mobile banking platform.

Other Special Accounts

  • Labbaik Hajj Savings Account: A specialized savings account for customers who are planning and saving for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. It provides a structured, goal-oriented savings vehicle that helps customers accumulate the funds needed for their spiritual journey.
  • Cooperative Society Account: A dedicated account for cooperative societies and community organizations seeking a Sharia-compliant banking relationship.
  • NGO & Institutional Account: Tailored accounts for non-governmental organizations, charities, and other non-profit institutions that require Sharia-compliant financial services.

Financing Products

ZamZam Bank offers a full spectrum of Islamic financing products, covering personal, business, agricultural, trade, and infrastructure needs. All financing arrangements are free from interest (riba) and are structured according to recognized Islamic financial contracts.

Murabahah — Cost-Plus-Profit Financing

Murabahah is ZamZam Bank’s primary and most widely used financing product, applicable across all sectors of the economy. Under this arrangement, the bank purchases a commodity, asset, or property on behalf of the customer and resells it to the customer at a disclosed cost plus an agreed profit margin. The customer then repays the total amount (cost + profit) in installments over the agreed period.

Murabahah financing is available for:

  • Purchase of goods, equipment, and raw materials for businesses
  • Import financing for importers
  • Vehicle purchase financing
  • Construction and real estate financing
  • Agricultural input and machinery procurement
  • Consumer goods and household items

Mudarabah — Profit-Sharing Investment Financing

Mudarabah financing is an investment partnership in which ZamZam Bank provides the full capital (Rab al-Mal) and the customer manages the business or project (Mudarib). Profits generated are distributed between the bank and the customer according to a pre-agreed ratio. Financial losses, if any, are borne solely by the bank, while the customer loses the value of their time and effort. This product is typically used for business expansion, project financing, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Musharakah — Partnership Financing

Musharakah is a joint venture or partnership financing arrangement in which both ZamZam Bank and the customer contribute capital to a business or project. Profits are shared according to an agreed ratio, while losses are shared in proportion to each party’s capital contribution. This product is designed for larger business projects, real estate development, and long-term investment financing.

Ijarah — Lease Financing

Ijarah is ZamZam Bank’s leasing product, in which the bank purchases an asset and leases it to the customer for an agreed rental payment over a specified period. At the end of the lease term, ownership of the asset may transfer to the customer (Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek), depending on the agreement. Ijarah is commonly used for:

  • Vehicle and machinery leasing
  • Equipment financing for businesses
  • Real estate and property leasing
  • Financing of productive assets for agricultural and industrial use

Istisna‘ — Manufacturing & Construction Financing

Istisna‘ is a forward-sale contract for the manufacture, construction, or fabrication of specific goods or assets according to agreed specifications. ZamZam Bank finances the production or construction on behalf of the customer, with payment made in advance, in installments, or upon delivery. This product is primarily used for:

  • Construction and real estate development financing
  • Manufacturing and industrial project financing
  • Infrastructure development financing
  • Custom order financing for businesses

Bai‘ Salam — Advance Purchase Financing

Bai‘ Salam is an advance payment contract for the future delivery of goods. ZamZam Bank pays the full purchase price upfront to the seller (typically a farmer or producer), and the goods are delivered at a specified future date. This product is particularly valuable for agricultural financing, enabling farmers to access capital at the time of planting in exchange for delivering their produce at harvest time.

Qard Al-Hassan — Benevolent Interest-Free Loan

Qard Al-Hassan is an interest-free, fee-free loan extended by ZamZam Bank for social and humanitarian purposes. The borrower is required only to repay the principal amount, with no additional charges of any kind. This product reflects ZamZam Bank’s deep commitment to social responsibility and financial inclusion, providing support to individuals in genuine financial need who cannot access other forms of financing.

Kafalah — Islamic Guarantee

Kafalah is ZamZam Bank’s Islamic guarantee product, in which the bank provides a written guarantee on behalf of a customer to a third-party beneficiary (local or international). If the customer fails to meet their financial obligation, ZamZam Bank undertakes to fulfill the payment. Kafalah is used for:

  • Bid bonds and performance bonds for contractors
  • Advance payment guarantees
  • Guarantees in favor of foreign beneficiaries
  • Government and institutional tender guarantees

Diaspora Financing

ZamZam Bank offers a dedicated suite of Sharia-compliant financing products specifically for Ethiopian diaspora customers who wish to invest in Ethiopia from abroad:

  • Diaspora Business Financing: Murabahah or Musharakah-based financing for diaspora-owned businesses in Ethiopia.
  • Diaspora Housing/Mortgage Financing: Ijarah or Murabahah-based financing for the purchase, construction, or renovation of residential property in Ethiopia.
  • Diaspora Vehicle Financing: Murabahah-based financing for diaspora customers purchasing vehicles in Ethiopia.
  • Diaspora Consumer Financing: Flexible short-term financing for personal needs of diaspora customers visiting or investing in Ethiopia.

Digital Banking

ZamZam Bank has positioned digital innovation as a core strategic pillar, developing Sharia-compliant digital solutions that are among the most technologically advanced in the Ethiopian banking sector.

ANSAR — AI-Powered Sharia-Compliant Digital Financing

ANSAR is ZamZam Bank’s flagship digital innovation — Ethiopia’s first Sharia-compliant, AI-powered digital financing platform for individuals and MSMEs. Developed in collaboration with KIFIYA Financial Technology and ZamZam Bank’s internal digital product team, ANSAR was officially launched at Haile Grand Hotel and represents a major milestone in Islamic fintech in Africa.

ANSAR operates as a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform connecting three key stakeholders — the customer, the product supplier, and ZamZam Bank — in a fully digital, Sharia-compliant transaction ecosystem. Key features include:

  • No collateral required — creditworthiness assessed using AI-driven behavioral and transactional data
  • Instant digital approval process with no branch visits required
  • Fully compliant with Islamic finance principles — structured as a Murabahah digital sale arrangement
  • Designed to serve both individual consumers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs by removing the traditional barriers of collateral and physical branch access
  • Secure, efficient, and flexible financing application entirely through a smartphone

ZamZam Mobile Banking Application

ZamZam Bank’s mobile banking app provides customers with comprehensive, around-the-clock access to all banking services from their smartphone. A key distinguishing feature is that the app is capable of operating without a full internet connection — using USSD technology to transmit commands to the core banking system when internet connectivity is limited. This makes it one of the most accessible mobile banking solutions in Ethiopia, particularly for customers in areas with poor network coverage.

Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app supports:

  • Account balance inquiries and transaction history
  • Fund transfers between ZamZam Bank accounts and other banks
  • Bill payments and utility payments
  • Financing applications and repayment tracking
  • Foreign exchange rate information
  • Branch and ATM locator
  • Push notifications and real-time transaction alerts

USSD Banking

For customers who do not have smartphones or consistent internet access, ZamZam Bank provides a full-featured USSD banking service accessible from any mobile phone. USSD banking allows customers to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and access basic account services by dialing a short code — making ZamZam Bank’s services accessible to customers across all connectivity environments.

Card Banking — ZamZam ATM Debit Card

ZamZam Bank issues ATM debit cards providing customers with 24/7 access to their accounts through the bank’s ATM network and point-of-sale terminals. Card services include:

  • Cash withdrawals at any ZamZam Bank ATM
  • Balance inquiries and mini-statement printing
  • PIN changes
  • Point-of-sale purchases at merchant terminals
  • Inter-bank transfers through the national EthSwitch network

International Banking

ZamZam Bank provides a comprehensive range of Sharia-compliant international banking services to support Ethiopia’s trade, investment, and remittance flows.

Trade Services

ZamZam Bank facilitates international trade for Ethiopian importers and exporters through the following Sharia-compliant instruments:

  • Import Letters of Credit: Murabahah-structured LC facilities for importers, ensuring payment to international suppliers upon presentation of compliant shipping documents.
  • Export Letters of Credit: LC services for Ethiopian exporters, providing payment certainty from international buyers through ZamZam Bank’s correspondent banking network.
  • Cash Against Documents (CAD): Documentary collection services for both imports and exports.
  • Advance Payments (Telegraphic Transfer): International wire transfer services for trade-related advance payments.
  • Kafalah Trade Guarantees: Islamic guarantee instruments (bid bonds, performance bonds, advance payment guarantees) supporting contractors and businesses in international tenders.

Foreign Exchange Services

ZamZam Bank provides competitive foreign exchange services for individuals and businesses, including buying and selling of major foreign currencies, foreign exchange for travel and business purposes, and currency exchange at all branches.

International Remittance Services

ZamZam Bank has established partnerships with several of the world’s leading money transfer operators to provide fast, reliable, and affordable international remittance services to and from Ethiopia. The bank’s remittance partners include:

  • Dahabshiil — Africa’s largest money transfer company
  • Ria Money Transfer
  • Western Union
  • MoneyGram
  • Other international money transfer partners

Remittances can be received in cash at any ZamZam Bank branch or credited directly to the recipient’s ZamZam Bank account.

Foreign Currency Savings

ZamZam Bank offers Sharia-compliant foreign currency savings accounts for both resident Ethiopians with foreign currency income and diaspora customers. Accounts are available in US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro, and other major currencies, structured on Wadi‘ah safekeeping principles.

ZamZam Bank — Credit Score, Worthiness & Credit History

Credit Score

ZamZam Bank does not carry a formal published credit score, consistent with the broader Ethiopian banking sector, where formal credit rating infrastructure is still developing. However, the bank’s financial indicators and track record provide a clear view of its credit standing:

  • Asset Quality: ZamZam Bank’s financing portfolio is structured through Sharia-compliant contracts (primarily Murabahah) that include built-in risk-sharing mechanisms. The bank’s 72% financing-to-assets ratio — one of the highest in the Ethiopian private banking sector — reflects active and productive deployment of its deposit base into the economy.
  • Rapid Asset Growth: Total assets grew 77% year-on-year to reach Birr 16.6 billion by June 30, 2025 — a growth rate that substantially exceeds the Ethiopian banking sector average and signals strong operational momentum.
  • AAOIFI & IFSB Compliance: ZamZam Bank’s adherence to AAOIFI and IFSB standards — the international benchmarks for Islamic financial institution governance and reporting — provides a higher level of transparency and standardization than many domestic Ethiopian banks.
  • Sharia Supervisory Board Oversight: Independent, ongoing Sharia audit and supervision of all products and operations adds a layer of governance discipline that is unique to ZamZam Bank in Ethiopia.

Credit Worthiness

ZamZam Bank’s creditworthiness is reflected in its rapid financial growth, strong profitability, international award recognition, and institutional partnerships. Key financial indicators are as follows:

Total Assets (June 30, 2025) Birr 16.6 billion (+77% year-on-year)
Total Assets (Dec 29, 2024) Birr 11.5 billion
Total Assets (FY 2023/24) Birr 9.3 billion
Total Deposits (Dec 29, 2024) Birr 7.7 billion (+38% year-on-year)
Net Profit (FY 2024/25) Birr 940.8 million
Pre-Tax Profit (Dec 29, 2024) Birr 800 million (mid-year figure)
Total Income (FY 2023/24) Over Birr 850 million
Pre-Tax Profit (FY 2023/24) Birr 148 million
Total Income (FY 2024/25) Birr 2.2 billion
Paid-up Capital Birr 872 million (subscribed: Birr 1.683 billion)
Financing-to-Assets Ratio 72% (among the highest in Ethiopian private banking)
Customers Over 500,000 (+66% year-on-year)
Branches 89+
Employees Over 1,500

ZamZam Bank’s net profit of Birr 940.8 million in 2024/25 represents a more than sixfold increase from the Birr 148 million pre-tax profit recorded in 2023/24, demonstrating an extraordinary earnings growth trajectory. With total income reaching Birr 2.2 billion, the bank has firmly entered the ranks of Ethiopia’s meaningfully profitable private banks within just its fourth year of full operations.

Credit History

Despite being one of the youngest commercial banks in Ethiopia, ZamZam Bank has established a compelling and clean credit history in a remarkably short time:

  • Pioneer Status: As Ethiopia’s first and only full-fledged Interest-Free Bank, ZamZam Bank has operated since June 2021 without any reported regulatory sanctions, license issues, or compliance violations.
  • Explosive Growth Trajectory: Total assets have grown from Birr 7.49 billion in FY 2022/23, to Birr 9.3 billion in FY 2023/24, to Birr 16.6 billion by June 30, 2025 — a near-doubling in a single fiscal year — demonstrating exceptional deposit mobilization, customer growth, and financing deployment.
  • Rapid Profitability: The bank’s net profit grew from Birr 148 million in 2023/24 to Birr 940.8 million in 2024/25 — a growth rate of over 535% in a single year — reflecting strong management, improving operational efficiency, and growing market confidence in the Islamic banking model.
  • Global Islamic Finance Award: Winning the GIFA for two consecutive years confirms ZamZam Bank’s recognition by the international Islamic finance community as a credible, well-governed, and high-impact institution.
  • World Bank Partnership: ZamZam Bank’s collaboration with the World Bank to strengthen its financial foundation and develop competitive products reflects a high level of institutional credibility with one of the world’s most selective development finance partners.
  • High Financing Deployment Rate: A 72% financing-to-assets ratio since inception reflects disciplined and productive use of customer deposits, with 72% of all assets deployed directly into the Ethiopian economy through Sharia-compliant financing.

Financial Report — Fiscal Year 2024/25

ZamZam Bank presented its 2024/25 annual financial results at its General Shareholders’ Assembly held at Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa. The results represent the bank’s fourth full fiscal year of commercial banking operations and its strongest performance to date across all key financial metrics.

Income Statement Highlights

Total Income (FY 2024/25) Birr 2.2 billion
Total Income (FY 2023/24) Over Birr 850 million
Income Growth Year-on-Year Approximately 159% increase
Net Profit (FY 2024/25) Birr 940.8 million
Pre-Tax Profit (Dec 2024) Birr 800 million (mid-year, 6-month figure)
Net Profit (FY 2023/24) Birr 148 million (pre-tax)
Profit Growth Year-on-Year Over 535% increase

ZamZam Bank’s total income of Birr 2.2 billion in 2024/25 represents a transformational leap from the Birr 850+ million recorded the prior year. The bank’s net profit of Birr 940.8 million brings it to the brink of the billion-Birr profit milestone in just its fourth year of operations — a milestone that most Ethiopian banks take a decade or more to reach.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Total Assets (June 30, 2025) Birr 16.6 billion
Asset Growth Year-on-Year +77% (from Birr 9.4 billion in FY 2023/24)
Total Deposits (Dec 29, 2024) Birr 7.7 billion (+38% year-on-year)
Prior Year Deposits Birr 6.8 billion (FY 2023/24 close)
Paid-up Capital Birr 872 million
Subscribed Capital Birr 1.683 billion
Financing Portfolio 72% of total assets deployed as financing
Total Shareholders 11,200+

Total assets surged by 77% during the fiscal year, reaching Birr 16.6 billion by June 30, 2025 — one of the highest single-year asset growth rates among Ethiopian private banks. The bank’s CEO, Melika Bedri, noted that ZamZam Bank’s deposit figures were the highest among Ethiopia’s third-generation banks as of December 2024, reflecting exceptional public trust and market penetration in a highly competitive environment.

Customer & Network Growth

Total Customers (Dec 2024) Over 500,000
Customer Growth +66% year-on-year
Branches 89+ (as of December 2024)
Employees Over 1,500

Year-on-Year Financial Trajectory

Metric FY 2022/23  →  FY 2023/24  →  FY 2024/25
Total Assets Birr 7.49B  →  Birr 9.4B  →  Birr 16.6B
Total Deposits Birr 5.0B  →  Birr 6.8B  →  Birr 7.7B (Dec’24)
Total Income N/A  →  Birr 850M+  →  Birr 2.2B
Net Profit N/A  →  Birr 148M  →  Birr 940.8M
Customers N/A  →  ~300,000  →  500,000+
Branches ~60  →  ~75  →  89+

ZamZam Bank’s four-year financial trajectory is extraordinary by any measure. From a standing start in June 2021, the bank has grown total assets by over 120% from its FY 2022/23 base, deposits by over 50%, income by approximately 159% in a single year, and net profit by over 535% in the same period. This positions ZamZam Bank as one of the fastest-growing banks in Ethiopian banking history.

Strategic Outlook

ZamZam Bank’s leadership has articulated a clear and ambitious strategic direction for the coming years:

  • African Leadership: Dr. Nassir Dino, Board Chairman, has reiterated the bank’s ambition to become the leading Islamic finance bank on the African continent — not merely the leading one in Ethiopia — through continued product innovation and geographic expansion.
  • Foreign Bank Competition Preparedness: CEO Melika Bedri has publicly acknowledged the forthcoming entry of foreign banks into the Ethiopian market and is actively collaborating with the World Bank and other international financial institutions to strengthen ZamZam Bank’s competitive positioning.
  • ANSAR Digital Expansion: The ANSAR Sharia-compliant digital lending platform is expected to be a key growth driver, scaling access to collateral-free, AI-powered Islamic finance for millions of MSMEs and women entrepreneurs across Ethiopia.
  • Capital Expansion: With a subscribed capital of Birr 1.683 billion against a paid-up capital of Birr 872 million, the bank is actively calling up additional share capital to strengthen its balance sheet and approach the NBE’s Birr 5 billion minimum paid-up capital threshold.
  • Branch Network Expansion: Continued expansion of ZamZam Bank’s branch and agent banking network to reach underserved communities, particularly in regions with large Muslim populations.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

ZamZam Bank’s social responsibility initiatives are rooted in its founding mission of inclusive, community-centered banking:

  • Education Financing: ZamZam Bank finances education for low-income students through Qard Al-Hassan (interest-free benevolent loans), removing financial barriers to educational access for Ethiopia’s most vulnerable communities.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Through the An-Nissa Wadi‘ah Savings Account, ANSAR’s dedicated women’s financing channel, and priority access to Murabahah business financing, ZamZam Bank actively works to close Ethiopia’s gender financial inclusion gap.
  • ZamZam Charity: The bank operates a dedicated ZamZam Charity program that channels a portion of its social responsibility funds toward humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and community welfare projects.
  • Community Development: ZamZam Bank supports community development projects across Ethiopia, with a particular focus on regions with historically low access to formal financial services.
  • Financial Inclusion for the Religiously Excluded: By providing fully Sharia-compliant banking, ZamZam Bank has brought hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Muslims — who previously avoided the formal banking system due to religious objections to interest — into the formal financial sector for the first time.
  • International Islamic Finance Community: ZamZam Bank actively participates in global Islamic finance forums, standards bodies (AAOIFI, IFSB), and award programs, helping to raise Ethiopia’s profile within the international Islamic finance community.

Contact Information

Call Centre 9670
Email [email protected]
Head Office Ethio-China Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Website www.zamzambank.com
Mobile App ZamZam Mobile Banking (iOS & Android)
ANSAR App Available on iOS & Android
Remittance Dahabshiil, Ria, Western Union, MoneyGram & partners
Standards Body AAOIFI & IFSB Compliant
Annual Report Available at www.zamzambank.com/category/reports/

5.7

ZamZam Bank

Mobile Banking

10

Internet Banking

0

Customer Service

9.2

Diaspora Benefit

0

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