Ethiopia Launches First Domestic Credit Card in Push for Digital Financial Inclusion

Ethiopia has officially launched its first domestic credit card, marking a major milestone in the country’s financial sector and ongoing efforts to deepen digital financial inclusion. The rollout is a collaborative effort involving UAE-based SanuPay, global fintech firm OpenWay, and Ethiopian banks, supported by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

The new card, issued initially by Oromia Bank, is powered by the Way4 digital payments platform. Unlike existing international or prepaid cards, the domestic credit card enables local transactions in Ethiopian birr and is fully interoperable across banks, ATMs, and point-of-sale (POS) devices within the country.

The initiative includes the issuance of four million debit and prepaid cards, alongside an initial 5,000 credit cards branded by Visa and Mastercard. To support usage, over 10,000 POS terminals and 200 ATMs have been deployed nationwide.

“This development reflects Ethiopia’s growing commitment to establishing a modern, sovereign financial infrastructure,” said Alfred Gachaga, CEO of SanuPay. “The platform is built to be scalable, secure, and aligned with the country’s regulatory and economic goals.”

The introduction of a homegrown credit card system is expected to reduce reliance on foreign payment networks, lower transaction costs, and expand access to formal credit, especially for underbanked populations. It also allows banks to design credit products tailored to local needs and spending behavior.

Oromia Bank, the first to issue the new cards, plans to roll out a co-branded loyalty program in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines’ Sheba Miles, further enhancing the value proposition for cardholders.

The launch comes at a time when Ethiopia is making significant strides in digital finance. The country’s mobile money platform, Telebirr—launched in 2021—has already onboarded over 50 million users, setting the stage for broader adoption of electronic payment systems.

Industry analysts note that Ethiopia’s move aligns with trends across Africa, where governments and regulators are increasingly prioritizing locally governed financial ecosystems. With backing from the National Bank of Ethiopia and system operator SantimPay, the new card scheme is expected to foster greater trust, accessibility, and innovation in the local financial sector.

In a region where cash has traditionally dominated, Ethiopia’s domestic credit card marks a critical step toward a more inclusive, cashless economy.