Month: September 2025
Driving Ethiopia’s Banking Transformation
Coopbank Wins Sustainable SME Financier of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum
Driving Ethiopia’s banking transformation, Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) was named Sustainable SME Financier of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum 2025, held September 15–17 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This recognition highlights Coopbank’s leadership in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financial services.
The forum, organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), brought together over 1,200 participants from 60 countries to share best practices in SME financing, digital innovation, and financial inclusion, underscoring Coopbank’s role as a trailblazer in sustainable SME financing.
Michu: Transforming SME Financing in Ethiopia
At the core of Coopbank’s success is the Michu Digital Lending Platform, an AI-driven solution that provides collateral-free loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Michu Impact:
• 2 million+ MSME accounts served
• ETB 34+ billion in loans disbursed
• Focused support for women- and youth-led businesses “Michu is more than a lending platform—it is a gateway to financial inclusion, sustainable growth, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ethiopia.
Michu’s influence extends beyond finance:
• Job Creation: Enabling employment through business growth
• Enterprise Expansion: Strengthening SMEs with tailored loans
Coopbank remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing digital solutions, and building a financially inclusive Ethiopia. This recognition inspires the bank to continue innovating, expanding services, and making a tangible difference in the lives of businesses and communities nationwide.
Coopbank Tops Global SME Forum as Sustainable Financier of the Year
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 16, 2025 – Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) is proud to announce that it has been awarded Sustainable SME Financier of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This recognition highlights Coopbank’s leadership in advancing financial inclusion and transforming access to finance in Ethiopia through its Michu Digital Lending Platform, developed in partnership with Kifiya Financial Technology. Leveraging AI-driven credit scoring and collateral-free lending, Michu has empowered over 2 million accounts for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), disbursing more than ETB 34 billion, with a significant number of beneficiaries being women- and youth-led businesses. The platform provides tailored loan solutions for medium-sized enterprises, informal traders, and women entrepreneurs, helping them grow and thrive.
Michu’s impact extends beyond financial access, fostering job creation, enterprise growth, and stronger community resilience, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology-enabled finance in overcoming barriers for small businesses.
“This award reflects Coopbank’s mission to empower MSMEs, drive sustainable growth, and build an inclusive financial ecosystem,” said Abdi Fekede, Acting COO of Coopbank. “We are committed to continuing this journey of innovation and impact, not only in Ethiopia but also as a model for financial transformation across Africa.”
Coopbank thanks its partners, especially Kifiya Financial Technology, and the Global SME Finance Forum for recognizing its work. The bank also extends its gratitude to customers and stakeholders for their continued support, reaffirming its commitment to empowering communities, transforming lives, and promoting inclusive growth through accessible and innovative financial services. See More