In the 2016 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), Ethiopia saw significant advancements in its digital economy, marked by the remarkable growth of Telebirr, a digital financial service. This milestone underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to make digital financial services accessible and inclusive, addressing key societal challenges along the way.

Telebirr Subscriber Growth

Telebirr achieved an impressive increase in its subscriber base, reaching 47.5 million users, which represents 107.8% of its target for the year. This substantial growth indicates a widespread adoption of digital financial services in Ethiopia. The rise in subscribers reflects the platform’s reliability and the trust it has garnered among the Ethiopian population. It also highlights a growing shift towards digital transactions, reducing the reliance on cash-based transactions and fostering a more inclusive financial environment.

Microcredit, Micro Savings, and Overdraft Services

In collaboration with Dashen Bank and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Telebirr provided 9.35 billion birr in financial services to 2.9 million customers. These services included microcredit, micro savings, and overdraft facilities, which have been pivotal in promoting financial inclusion. By providing access to credit and savings opportunities, Telebirr has empowered many individuals and small businesses, enabling them to manage their finances better, invest in their futures, and contribute to economic growth.

Savings Milestones

The savings achievements of Telebirr have been particularly noteworthy. During the budget year, 1.3 million customers saved a total of 9.72 billion birr using the platform. Since its inception in May 2021, the following milestones have been reached:

• 5.3 million customers have collectively saved 12.88 billion birr.
• 2.1 million customers have accumulated savings of 13.35 billion birr.

These figures illustrate the platform’s role in fostering a savings culture among Ethiopians. By offering a secure and convenient way to save, Telebirr has helped individuals build financial resilience and security, contributing to overall economic stability.

Transaction Volumes

The volume of transactions conducted through Telebirr has also been impressive. During the budget year, 1.81 trillion birr was transacted via the platform. Since its launch on May 11, 2021, a total of 2.55 trillion birr has been transacted across the economy using Telebirr. This high transaction volume demonstrates the platform’s capability to handle large-scale financial activities, further establishing its importance in Ethiopia’s digital economy. The digitization of financial transactions has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced transparency and security in the financial system.

Future Prospects

The success of Telebirr in the 2016 EFY sets a strong foundation for further advancements in Ethiopia’s digital financial landscape. As more people adopt digital financial services, there is potential for even greater financial inclusion and economic growth. Telebirr’s achievements signal a promising future where digital solutions play a crucial role in driving Ethiopia’s economic development and bridging the financial gap for underserved populations.