CBE Capital Investment Bank

CBE Capital Investment Bank S.C. | First ECMA Licensed Investment Bank in Ethiopia

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As Ethiopia’s financial landscape undergoes a generational shift, CBE Capital Investment Bank S.C. has emerged as the premier gateway for both local and international investors. Established as a strategic subsidiary of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the nation’s largest financial institution—CBE Capital is a full-service investment bank designed to bridge the gap between traditional banking and modern capital markets.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the firm’s profile, leadership, and its role as a “market maker” in the newly established Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX).

Also read: How to Download Neway Mobile Application to Invest in Ethiopian Stock Market

CBE Capital Investment Bank: Profile & Impact

1. Institutional Foundation

CBE Capital was officially licensed by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) on March 21, 2025, making it the first private investment bank in Ethiopia’s history. It operates as a joint venture, majority-owned by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (70%) and Dallol Capital (30%), a private investment firm.

  • Primary Goal: To provide sophisticated financial advisory, capital raising, and brokerage services to corporate, institutional, and retail clients.
  • Market Position: As the second official Trading Member of the ESX, CBE Capital serves as a critical intermediary, authorized to facilitate the buying and selling of securities (stocks and bonds) on the exchange.

2. Core Services & Expertise

CBE Capital functions as a “one-stop-shop” for the following financial activities:

  • Investment Banking: Specializing in underwriting Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), private placements, and handling complex Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A).
  • Brokerage Services: Providing direct access to the ESX through its digital platforms (including the “Neway” mobile app integration) for trading equities and fixed-income securities.
  • Corporate Advisory: Helping state-owned and private enterprises restructure their finances to meet regulatory requirements for market listing.
  • Strategic Partnerships: The firm has already signed high-profile agreements with major players like Nib International Bank, Hibret Insurance, and Waliif Investment to manage their capital market entries.

3. Leadership: The “Global-Local” Strategy

The bank is led by a team of veteran professionals with deep experience in Wall Street and global financial hubs, combined with extensive local knowledge.

  • CEO: Zemedeneh Nigatu – A renowned Ethiopian-American dealmaker and former Managing Partner for Ernst & Young (EY) East Africa. His 25+ years of experience in cross-border transactions is a cornerstone of the bank’s international credibility.
  • Chairman: Abie Sano – Also the President of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, ensuring that CBE Capital has the full backing and “muscle” of the country’s largest financial network.

4. Key Achievements (2025–2026)

Since its inception, CBE Capital has hit several historic milestones:

  1. First Licensed Investment Bank: Became the first entity to receive an investment banking license under the new NBE/ECMA directives.
  2. Market Leadership: Appointed as the Transaction Advisor for numerous banks and private firms (including your recent interest, Habesha Breweries) to manage their ESX registration and listing.
  3. Talent Hub: Recruited a specialized team of Ethiopian diaspora experts to implement global best practices in risk management and compliance.

5. Essential Links & Contact Information

If you are looking to open a brokerage account or seek advisory services, you can reach them through the following official channels:

Contact Details:

  • Location: CBE Headquarters, 1st Floor, Churchill Avenue, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Phone: +251-11-113-0808 (Short Code: 6848)
  • Email: contact@cbecapitalsc.com

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