The wait is finally over. In March 2026, the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) officially launched ንዋይ (Neway), a mobile trading app designed to bring the capital market to the palm of every Ethiopian’s hand. Transitioning from its pilot phase (formerly known as Marlin® ESX), Neway, which translates to “wealth”, promises to democratize investing.
But as the first waves of traders download the app, a critical question emerges: Is the platform stable enough for your hard-earned capital, or is it still a work in progress?
Also read How to Download Neway Mobile Application to Invest in Ethiopian Stock Market
The Promise: A Brokerage in Your Pocket
Developed alongside Infotech Private Limited, Neway is not just a simple interface; it is a sophisticated gateway integrated directly into the Broker Back Office (BBO). For the average investor, the appeal is undeniable:
- Remote Onboarding: No more office visits. Register and open a brokerage account entirely through your phone.
- Paper Trading: A “Safe Mode” for beginners to practice with virtual currency before risking real money.
- Real-Time Data: Live stock prices, interactive charts, and direct feeds from the ESX.
- Multi-Asset Support: One app to execute trades for equities, bonds, and ETFs.
The Reality Check: Technical “Teething” Pains
Despite a solid foundation and a 4.2-star legacy from its pilot phase, the official launch has hit some significant “technical hurdles.” Early adopters are reporting a “rocky start” that could give cautious investors pause.
1. The UX “Technical Maze”
For those without a background in finance or computer science, Neway can feel unfriendly.
- Navigation Gaps: There is a noticeable lack of tutorials or tooltips.
- Language Barriers: In a market where accessibility is paramount, the current lack of local language support remains a hurdle for mass adoption.
- The Identity Crisis: Users have reported confusion between the “Demo” and “Live” account toggles—a high-stakes distinction when managing actual wealth.
2. Security and Stability Concerns
More concerning than design are the “red flags” regarding backend exposure.
- Raw Error Messages: Some users have encountered raw technical exceptions (like NonUniqueResultException) popping up on their screens.
- Input Friction: Small design flaws—such as the app asking for a 6-digit code but allowing alphanumeric input—create a sense of “unpolished” security.
- Connectivity: Currently, access is restricted to the territory of Ethiopia. Users have noted that server lag during National ID (Fayda) integration can cause registration freezes.
How to Get Started (The Safe Way)
If you are ready to test the waters, follow these steps to ensure a smooth setup:
- Download: Available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
- Verify: Have your National ID (Fayda) ready for real-time KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
- Start Small: Utilize the Paper Trading feature first. Do not move significant capital until you are comfortable with the interface and have confirmed your account type (Virtual vs. Real).
The Verdict: Is it Ready?
The Short Answer: Neway is a groundbreaking tool, but it is currently in its “Early Access” spirit.
While the ambition is commendable and the infrastructure is professional-grade, the app is still shaking off its “Marlin” pilot-phase bugs. For long-term investors looking to register early, it is worth the download. For active day-traders who require split-second stability, you may want to wait for the next series of patches promised by the ESX team.
Need Help? If you encounter the “login freeze” or backend errors, the ESX team suggests skipping the public review section and contacting them directly:
- Call Center: 9920 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
- Email: bbo@esx.et