Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – August 14, 2024 – Ethiopian Skylight Hotel – The Ethiopian? Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa became the center of innovation and excellence on August? 14th, 2024, as it hosted the 15th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Ethiopia Innovation ?& Excellence Awards 2024. This significant event celebrated outstanding achievements in the? banking and financial services industry, centered around the theme “Bolstering the Economy? with Digitization and Financial Inclusion.”?

A Dynamic Platform for Industry Leaders?

The summit brought together over 300 executives, experts, and leaders from the banking and? financial services sector, offering a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and impactful? discussions. The event highlighted the critical role of collaboration and knowledge sharing in? advancing the industry.?

Recognizing Pioneers in Banking?

The Innovation & Excellence Awards honored organizations and individuals who have made? remarkable contributions to Ethiopia’s banking sector. These prestigious awards recognized? innovative initiatives and exceptional leadership driving growth and development in the industry.? The esteemed award winners included:?

• Excellence in Agency Banking: Lion International Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in Contactless Payments: Zemen Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in eBanking: Abay Bank S.C.?
• Best Payment Solution Provider of the Year: EFT Corporation?
• Excellence in Core Banking: Berhan Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in Innovative Banking: Bank of Abyssinia?
• Excellence in Tech-Driven Leadership: Ahadu Bank?
• Cyber Security Solution Provider of the Year: Kaspersky?
• Excellence in Omni-Channel Banking: Oromia Bank?
• Excellence in SME Financing: Bunna Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in Private Banking: Hibret Bank S.C.?
• Best Agency Banking Solution Provider: Mobifin?
• Excellence in Digital Banking: Cooperative Bank of Oromia?
• Excellence in Women Empowerment: Enat Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in Customer Experience: Wegagen Bank?
• Excellence in Financial Inclusion: Dashen Bank S.C.?
• Excellence in Digital Advisory: KPMG East Africa?
• Excellence in Retail Islamic Banking: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia ? CIO of the Year: Daniel Hailu Teshome, CIO, Bank of Abyssinia
• Banktech Innovator of the Year: Babek Singh Khalsa?
• Best Bank of the Year: Awash International Bank?
• CEO of the Year: Abie Sano, CEO, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia?
• Excellence in Digital Wallets: Shabelle Bank S.C.?

These awards celebrated the innovative efforts and exemplary leadership that have significantly? impacted Ethiopia’s financial services sector. The winners embodied the summit’s core values of? technology, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.?

Celebrating Success and Inspiring the Future?

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners and express our deep? appreciation for their contributions to advancing the banking sector in Ethiopia. Their? achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for continued innovation and excellence within the? industry.