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]

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