Month: June 2026
Financial Inclusion Without Borders: Coopbank and UNHCR Launch the LIFT Program
Addis Ababa - In a major stride toward comprehensive financial inclusion, the Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) and UNHCR Ethiopia have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the Livelihood Inclusion via Fintech Technology (LIFT) Program. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to expanding access to formal banking services for refugees, returnees, and host communities across Ethiopia.
For displaced and underserved populations, a lack of access to formal financial tools is often more than just an inconvenience—it represents a critical roadblock to entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and long-term socio-economic stability. The LIFT Program aims to dismantle these systemic barriers by deploying innovative fintech solutions, establishing sustainable pathways toward economic resilience and empowerment.
Speaking on the strategic significance of the partnership, Coopbank CEO, Mr. Deribie Asfaw, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative:
“We believe that inclusive finance has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and unlock economic opportunities for people who have historically been excluded from formal financial systems. Access to financial services is more than a banking issue; it is a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance.”
By integrating UNHCR’s deep expertise in refugee protection and community advocacy with Coopbank’s robust digital financial ecosystem and expansive nationwide branch network, the partnership is uniquely positioned to turn structural development challenges into scalable, real-world opportunities for thousands of individuals.
At Coopbank, our commitment goes beyond providing traditional banking solutions. We are dedicated to engineering inclusive financial ecosystems where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, has the necessary tools to build a brighter, more secure future.
To learn more about the strategic objectives and implementation roadmap of this partnership, access the official press release via the link below:👉 [Read the Full Press Release Here]
Coopbank and Zagol System Trading PLC Sign Strategic Partnership to Expand Digital Services
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Coopbank and Zagol System Trading PLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand digital payment services and enhance customer convenience through innovative technology integration.
This strategic partnership strengthens Coopbank’s position as a leading digital bank committed to innovation and customer-centric solutions. Through the expanded Coopay E-birr ecosystem, customers will be able to seamlessly pay for international airline tickets, hotel bookings, and transportation services from a single platform.
The service will enable customers to choose convenient flight routes and competitive pricing from more than 12 major global airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, Egypt Air, Saudia, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air Algerie, Etihad, and others, all accessible easily via Coopay E-birr.
In addition, the agreement enables customers to make payments for digital services provided by Zagol System Trading PLC through Coopay E-birr, ensuring a fully integrated and seamless digital payment experience.
By combining Zagol’s advanced technology capabilities with Coopbank’s strong financial ecosystem, the partnership unlocks new opportunities for seamless transactions, improved accessibility, and enhanced customer experience.
This collaboration reflects Coopbank’s continued commitment to digital transformation and delivering modern banking solutions that simplify everyday life while connecting customers to global opportunities.
Coopay E-birr Surpasses ETB 6 Trillion
Coopay E-birr Surpasses ETB 6 Trillion in Transaction Value
We are proud to announce that Coopbank’s Coopay E-birr, a simple, convenient, and secure digital payment platform, has surpassed ETB 6 Trillion in transaction value. This remarkable achievement reflects the trust and confidence of more than 22.4 million customers, supported by our extensive network of over 42,000 agents and 369,000 merchants across the country.
With this incredible growth, Coopay E-birr ranks third among Ethiopia’s leading digital financial service platforms and proudly stands as the number one digital financial service platform among private banks.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, agents, and merchants whose trust, loyalty, and partnership have made this milestone possible. This achievement belongs to all of us and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding access to secure, convenient, and innovative digital financial services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across Ethiopia.
Join Coopay E-birr today and enjoy a seamless digital banking experience for utility payments, shopping, entertainment, instant money transfers, and many other modern financial services.