The launch of First Addis Investment Bank PLC (FAIB) on October 30, 2025, represents a landmark shift in the Ethiopian financial landscape. While the first wave of investment banking licenses was dominated by subsidiaries of legacy commercial banks—such as CBE Capital and Wegagen Capital—First Addis Investment Bank is the country’s first fully independent, non-bank affiliated investment bank. Incorporated with a paid-up capital of ETB 28 million, the firm is not tied to any traditional lending institution, allowing it to provide truly impartial advisory and capital-raising services. Led by CEO Michael Addisu and Board Chairman Nebil Kellow, the bank is positioned as a specialized vehicle for “Blended Finance,” combining private capital with developmental funding to fuel Ethiopia’s emerging sectors.
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First Addis is essentially a “Deal-Making Hub” designed to solve the long-standing liquidity challenges faced by Ethiopian MSMEs and large-scale enterprises. By operating independently of the commercial banking system, FAIB avoids the “collateral-first” mindset that often stifles innovation. Instead, the firm focuses on the intrinsic value of a business, helping companies prepare for the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) through rigorous share registration and prospectus development.
Core Services: The Blended Finance Advantage
First Addis Investment Bank offers a suite of services designed for the 2026 capital market environment, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
- Capital Raising & IPO Advisory: Assisting private companies in transitioning to public ownership on the ESX. They have already signed high-profile transaction advisory contracts with tech leaders like ArifPay and Breakthrough Trading S.C.
- Blended Finance Solutions: A unique model that aggregates international development grants with local private capital to de-risk investments in infrastructure and job-creating industries.
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Providing the technical valuation and legal framework for corporate consolidations as the Ethiopian market becomes more competitive.
- Share Registration & Corporate Restructuring: Helping traditional share companies modernize their governance and digitize their shareholder records to meet ECMA transparency standards.
Careers at First Addis: Vacancy and Professional Culture
As a standalone startup, First Addis Investment Bank vacancy announcements target “top 1%” financial professionals who prefer a fast-paced, meritocratic environment over the bureaucratic structure of traditional banks. The firm values a “Global-Local” mindset—hiring experts with international investment banking experience who understand the nuances of the Ethiopian regulatory framework.
Recruitment & Salary Insights (2026)
The recruitment process at First Addis is known for being technically demanding, often involving case studies and financial modeling assessments.
- Target Roles: Investment Banking Associates, Portfolio Managers, Data Analysts, and Compliance Experts.
- Key Qualifications: Masters in Finance/Economics and professional designations such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CISI are the standard benchmark.
- Salary Scale: While specific numbers are private, FAIB utilizes a “Modern Compensation Model.” This typically includes a competitive base salary (often exceeding the traditional bank scale for similar grades) plus performance-linked bonuses. For mid-to-senior levels, the total package is designed to compete with international consultancies like First Consult, the firm’s strategic partner.
Essential Contact and Location Details
First Addis operates out of a centralized office in the Meskel Flower area, a growing hub for specialized financial services in Addis Ababa.
- Headquarters: Central Printing Press Building, 6th Floor, Gabon Street (Meskel Flower Road), Addis Ababa.
- Phone: +251 930 097 461 / +251 911 686 947
- Official Website: www.firstaddisinvestmentbank.com
- Official Email: info@fabinvestbank.com / michaela@fabinvestbank.com
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Investor Summary: First Addis at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
| ECMA License Date | October 2025 |
| Status | First Independent Investment Bank (Non-Bank Affiliated) |
| Paid-up Capital | ETB 28 Million |
| Core Specialty | Blended Finance & SME Capital Raising |
| Key Partners | First Consult, ArifPay, Breakthrough Trading S.C. |
| Primary Ticker Access | Facilitates listings on ESX Main & Growth Markets |