The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has lifted all previous restrictions on export permits for goods destined for the People’s Republic of China. According to a statement released by the central bank today, May 26, 2026, the directive allows all authorized commercial banks across the country to process these export permits immediately.
Previously, due to a specific economic and financial agreement between Ethiopia and China, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) held exclusive rights to issue these specific export permits. This regulatory monopoly meant that exporters trading with China could only utilize the services of the state-owned bank for their documentation and financial transactions.
The central bank explained that the decision to eliminate the restriction aims to streamline the country’s export sector. By opening up the process to the wider banking industry, the NBE intends to enhance competitiveness among financial institutions and create a more efficient, accessible environment for local exporters.
Under the newly implemented directive, all licensed commercial banks operating within Ethiopia are now fully authorized to handle permit issuances and provide related banking services for China-bound cargo. The central bank expects this decentralization to significantly reduce administrative bottlenecks for businesses trading with one of Ethiopia’s largest economic partners.
The NBE’s policy shift reflects a broader effort to modernize Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem and boost trade volumes. Exporters can now select their preferred financial partners based on service quality and convenience, marking an end to the single-bank mandate for the Ethiopian-Chinese trade corridor.