Dashen Bank, Visa Seal Five-Year Payments Partnership

Dashen Bank and Visa have signed a five-year agreement to expand digital payments in Ethiopia, the two companies announced in Addis Ababa on 16 September 2026.

The partnership covers growing digital payment acceptance, expanding card issuance, strengthening cross-border payment capabilities and introducing new payment products, according to the announcement, though the companies did not disclose financial terms.

Dashen Bank is one of Ethiopia’s  private financial institutions, operating a nationwide network of branches, merchants and digital banking channels, the reach Visa will be plugging its payments infrastructure into as the two companies build out the partnership.

Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, said: “At Dashen Bank, innovation and customer value are at the heart of everything we do. This strategic partnership with Visa strengthens our ability to provide world-class payment solutions that are secure, convenient and accessible to more Ethiopians. Together, we will expand access to digital payments, enhance the customer experience and contribute to Ethiopia’s ongoing digital transformation by enabling individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the modern economy.”

Yared Woldesenbet, Cluster Head for Eastern Africa and Country Manager for Ethiopia at Visa, described the deal as part of the company’s wider strategy for the country: “This agreement with Dashen Bank marks an important milestone in Visa’s commitment to advancing the future of payments in Ethiopia. By combining Visa’s global network, innovation capabilities and deep payments expertise with Dashen Bank’s strong market presence and customer reach, we will accelerate the adoption of secure digital payments, support financial inclusion and create new opportunities for consumers, businesses and the broader economy.”