Ethiopia's Central Bank Widens Crypto Ban to Include Key Activities

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has clarified its ban on virtual assets, warning the public that activities such as exchange, transfer, and issuance are strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized under existing law.

In a public notice issued on July 23, 2026, the central bank emphasized that the restriction is not limited to cryptocurrencies but also applies to any digital representation of value that can be electronically traded, transferred, exchanged, or used for payment, investment, or similar purposes.

The NBE listed prohibited activities as exchanging virtual assets for fiat currencies or other virtual assets, transferring virtual assets, providing custody or administrative services for such assets, and offering financial services related to the issuance or sale of virtual assets.