Addis Ababa, October 24, 2026
Metemamen Microfinance S.C. celebrated a major milestone in its institutional development with the official launch of its mobile banking service on October 24, 2026, at the Adwa Victory Memorial Hall in Piassa, Addis Ababa.
The occasion brought together distinguished leaders of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, representatives of the National Bank of Ethiopia, chief executives of microfinance institutions, representatives of partner banks, development partners, stakeholders, and members of Metemamen’s Board of Directors, management and staff. The event marked a significant step in the institution’s commitment to modernizing its services and making financial solutions more accessible to the communities it serves.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Abune Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M., and Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Addis Ababa, as the guest of honour. A longstanding supporter of Metemamen and the Ethiopian Catholic Church’s social and development mission, His Eminence’s presence carried special significance. It reflected the Church’s enduring commitment to advancing human dignity, supporting disadvantaged communities and promoting financial inclusion as an integral part of its wider mission of service.
Established in 2002 through the initiative of the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, Metemamen was founded on the conviction that access to financial services can help people overcome poverty, strengthen their livelihoods and participate more fully in economic life. More than two decades later, the introduction of mobile banking represents a continuation of that founding vision, bringing the institution’s mission into an increasingly digital financial environment.
This connection between Metemamen’s origins and its future was at the heart of an inspiring address by His Excellency Abune Tsegaye Keneni Derara, Bishop Emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo, who has been closely associated with the institution since its establishment. Recalling the determination and vision that led the Ethiopian Catholic Church to establish its own microfinance institution, he reflected on how Metemamen was conceived as another means through which the Church could advance its mission of integral human development. He emphasized that financial inclusion, alongside the Church’s longstanding work in education, health and social development, creates opportunities for disadvantaged people to build more secure and dignified lives. He expressed particular satisfaction that the institution continues to remain relevant to changing times, embracing digital technology while staying faithful to the purpose for which it was established.
Ato Bekele Moges, Chairman of the Board of Directors, placed the launch within the broader strategic direction of Metemamen. He underlined the growing importance of digital transformation in responding to changing customer expectations, improving service delivery and strengthening institutional competitiveness. He noted that adopting modern financial technology is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for extending the reach of the institution to more communities. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring that Metemamen continues to grow as a sustainable and responsive financial institution while preserving its founding mission of serving those with limited access to formal financial services.
Delivering a central address at the ceremony, W/ro Wegayehu Asrat, Chief Executive Officer of Metemamen Microfinance S.C., reflected on the institution’s journey from the initial conception of the mobile banking project to its successful implementation. Having led the initiative throughout its development, she spoke about the considerable investment, technical requirements and operational challenges involved in bringing the service to fruition. She emphasized the practical difference digital banking can make in the lives of women, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and underserved communities. By reducing the need for physical visits to branches and enabling customers to manage financial transactions more conveniently, the new service is expected to save time, reduce costs and bring banking closer to everyday economic activities. She expressed her appreciation to the project team, management and the entire Metemamen workforce for their dedication, resilience and collective effort in achieving this important milestone.
The launch introduced a range of digital banking services, including account balance inquiries, transaction history, fund transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases and other account management functions. The service forms part of Metemamen’s wider digital transformation, supported by improvements in its core banking infrastructure and the development of new financial technology capabilities.
Ato Almaw Takele, Head of the IT Department, presented an overview of the mobile banking platform, its functionalities and the technical work undertaken to prepare the system for operation. He also acknowledged the leadership and sustained commitment of the Chief Executive Officer in guiding the project through its various stages.
Beyond the technological achievement, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Metemamen and the Ethiopian Catholic Church and explore ways of strengthening their future collaboration. Ato Shiferaw and Ato Kassay delivered a joint presentation highlighting the institution’s role within the Church’s broader development mission and the potential for closer cooperation across its social and economic development initiatives. The presentation emphasized opportunities to connect Metemamen’s financial services with the Church’s extensive institutional presence and community development activities, creating mutual value while advancing their shared commitment to improving livelihoods.
The official launch of Metemamen’s mobile banking service was marked by a cake cutting ceremony attended by His Eminence Cardinal Abune Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M., Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Addis Ababa; His Excellency Abune Tsegaye Keneni Derara, Bishop Emeritus of Soddo; His Excellency Abune Seyoum Fransua Noel, Vicar Apostolic of Hosanna and Vice Chairman of Metemamen’s Board of Directors; His Excellency Abune Lisane-Christos Matheos Semahun, Bishop of Bahir Dar–Dessie; Rev. Abba Ketema Asfaw, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia; Ato Bekele Moges, Chairman of Metemamen’s Board of Directors; and W/ro Wegayehu Asrat, Chief Executive Officer of Metemamen Microfinance S.C.
The celebration also included a recognition ceremony honoring the individuals and teams whose dedication and contributions made the successful implementation of the mobile banking project possible.
The event concluded with an evening cocktail reception, bringing together distinguished guests, partners, stakeholders and staff in a warm and engaging atmosphere of celebration and networking
The successful launch of mobile banking marks more than a technological advancement for Metemamen Microfinance. It represents the meeting of an enduring social mission with the possibilities of modern financial technology. As the institution enters this new chapter, it remains committed to making financial services more accessible, convenient and responsive, while continuing to uphold the values of inclusion, empowerment and service that have guided its journey since its establishment.
