𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚

Dashen Bank and European Investment Bank (EIB) Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, have signed a EUR 20 million financing agreement to expand access to long-term financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia, focusing on agricultural value chains, green investments, and women’s economic empowerment.

Under the agreement, 70% of the financing will support agricultural value chains, including businesses engaged in coffee, pulses, horticulture, and cereals. Priority will be given to eligible SMEs, particularly those exporting to European and other international markets. The remaining financing may support eligible businesses in other sectors of the Ethiopian economy.

The partnership emphasizes sustainability and inclusive economic development. At least 30% of the financing portfolio will support climate action and environmental sustainability, while another 30% will contribute to women’s economic empowerment. These commitments aim to encourage sustainable business practices, strengthen climate resilience, and expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

EIB Global will also provide technical assistance to strengthen Dashen Bank’s environmental and social due diligence, enhance its climate-finance capabilities, and improve portfolio monitoring and reporting. This support will strengthen the Bank’s capacity to deliver sustainable financing solutions.

Asfaw Alemu (CM), Chief Executive Officer of Dashen Bank, said: “Dashen Bank is committed to expanding access to finance for the businesses that drive Ethiopia’s economy. This partnership with EIB Global will enable us to offer longer-term financing to agricultural enterprises, exporters, and other eligible businesses, while strengthening our support for green investment and women-led companies. It also reflects Dashen Bank’s ambition to work with international partners to mobilize capital, expertise, and innovative financial solutions for our customers.”

Andrew McDowell, Director General of EIB Global, said: “This partnership turns long-term finance into tangible opportunities for Ethiopian businesses. By working with Dashen Bank, EIB Global will help agribusinesses invest, grow, and reach new markets, while directing more finance towards climate action and women’s economic empowerment. The operation demonstrates how European Union financing can reinforce resilient agricultural value chains, support quality employment, and accelerate sustainable private-sector development in Ethiopia.”

The agreement marks an important milestone in Dashen Bank’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, expand sustainable financing, and support Ethiopia’s private-sector development.