Awash Bank Deposits Reach 467.8 Billion Birr as Profit Climbs to 40.7 Billion Birr

Awash Bank closed the 2025/26 fiscal year with record financial results, reporting customer deposits of 467.8 billion birr and an unadjusted profit of 40.7 billion birr, underscoring continued growth in one of Ethiopia’s largest private lenders.

The bank announced that deposits increased by 135 billion birr during the fiscal year, representing a 41 percent year-on-year increase. According to Chief Executive Officer Tsehay Shiferaw, the growth marks the largest annual increase in deposits since the bank was established.

The strong deposit performance was accompanied by significant expansion in the bank’s customer base, which surpassed 17 million, reflecting increasing demand for banking services and broader financial inclusion across the country.

Awash Bank also posted strong growth in foreign exchange operations. The lender generated 2.65 billion US dollars in foreign exchange during the fiscal year, an increase of 635 million dollars compared with the previous year. The bank attributed the improvement to Ethiopia’s foreign exchange reforms alongside operational and policy enhancements implemented internally.

Its balance sheet also strengthened considerably over the year. Total assets rose to 622 billion birr, while paid-up capital increased to 38.5 billion birr, up by 10.6 billion birr from the previous fiscal year.

According to the bank, its paid-up capital now stands more than seven times above the National Bank of Ethiopia’s minimum capital requirement for private commercial banks, reinforcing its financial capacity as the sector prepares for increased competition.

Awash Bank also continued expanding digital financial services during the year. The bank disbursed more than 2.6 billion birr through digital lending platforms, providing financing to over one million customers, particularly individuals and small businesses seeking faster access to credit.

Financial performance also improved across the income statement. The bank reported total income exceeding 85.37 billion birr, supported by growth in lending, foreign exchange business, and customer transactions.

Beyond its commercial performance, the lender allocated approximately 500 million birr to corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting projects in education, healthcare, community development, and other social sectors.

The results come as Ethiopian banks continue strengthening their capital positions, expanding digital banking services, and competing for deposits amid ongoing financial sector reforms and preparations for greater market liberalization.