The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), in collaboration with the Ethiopia Customs Commission, has launched a new digital service that enables newly licensed importers and exporters to obtain NBE Account Numbers through the Customs Electronic Single Window (eSW), streamlining a key step in Ethiopia’s trade registration process.
Under the new system, eligible businesses can receive their NBE Account Numbers directly through the Customs Electronic Single Window platform, eliminating separate administrative procedures and helping speed up processing times.
The initiative applies exclusively to newly licensed importers and exporters obtaining an NBE Account Number for the first time. Businesses that already possess an NBE Account Number will continue using their existing number for all import and export transactions.
According to the central bank, the move is intended to reduce administrative burdens while improving the efficiency of trade-related services through greater digital integration between government institutions.
The initiative forms part of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to modernize public service delivery, facilitate trade, and improve the ease of doing business by expanding digital government services.
