’Chegebeya’ translated as ’Che Market’ aims to revolutionize the financial ecosystem for Micro, Small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ethiopia by modernizing the supply chain of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods.

UNCDF launches the Cash-in/Cash-Out (CICO) project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together key stakeholders from Ethiopia's banking sector, MNOs, Fintechs, MFIs, development agencies and other digital financial services ecosystem players.

Through a strategic partnership, UNCDF and Google aim to digitize micro, small and medium enterprises in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region by providing technical assistance, training, and business advisory support.

The FINNIX mobile app, which is regulated by the Bank of Thailand, was developed by MONIX and offers microfinance loans through a completely digital process from loan application to approval and disbursement.

The investment aims to support a resilient recovery by promoting business growth, creating jobs, and fostering financial inclusion.

Ongoing shifts toward e-commerce, digital payments (including contactless), and instant payments have all been significantly boosted during the pandemic with real-time payments surging by 104 percent.

The Bank of Thailand has been asked to review the ceiling of interest rates and supervise credit cards, personal loans and car loans, as the Thai government has vowed to tackle high household debt, incurred by credit card and personal loans.

COVID-19 has created many disruptions in Ethiopia this year, impacting both merchants and consumers.

Notwithstanding border restrictions, the region’s digital payments ecosystem is growing as countries collaborate to connect their domestic payment systems.

The decision of the National Bank of Ethiopia followed the chronic foreign currency shortage the country has been facing for many years.