Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 March, 2025 – Representatives from the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) and selected member banks met with the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) during a productive stopover in Ethiopia, ahead of the 17th GABV Annual Meeting in Uganda.
The meeting brought together commercial bank representatives from Ethiopia and a group of six GABV members – including Centenary Bank and Opportunity Bank Uganda (Uganda), Amalgamated Bank, Sunrise Banks, and City First Bank (USA), and Merkur Cooperative Bank (Denmark) – for an exchange of views and discussion about the monetary policy and reforms to the investment framework for the banking sector in Ethiopia.
During the session, Martin Rohner, Executive Director of GABV, highlighted the network’s commitment since 2009 to transform finance through values-based banking.
“Our purpose is clear: to lead the transformation of the financial industry by expanding and strengthening values-based banking, ensuring that finance serves people and the planet while fostering a sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all,” said Rohner.
The GABV comprises 70 member banks across 44 countries, serving over 50 million customers with combined assets of USD 265 billion. “What makes our network unique is that the GABV is the only CEO-level financial network that bridges the Global South and North. Our collaboration extends beyond traditional finance—we finance change and change finance. By working together, we create a financial system that is both resilient and aligned with societal and environmental needs,” he added.
During the presentation, Rohner detailed successful collaborations among members – ranging from co-financing agreements to equity investments – and introduced the GABV Correspondent Banking Consortium. This consortium of 15 banks is actively working to secure cross-border payment services in USD, EUR, and CNY, addressing de-risking challenges and enhancing financial inclusivity.
H. E. Mamo E. Mihretu, Governor of the NBE, also presented the central bank’s initiatives, reinforcing the value of these collaborative discussions.
Following the meeting, GABV participants will embark on an exclusive side trip to visit development NGO Project Mercy, in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, gaining firsthand insight into this innovative initiative.
