The National Bank of Ethiopia is pleased to announce the successful upgrade of the Ethiopian Automated Transfer System (EATS)—the country’s Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system—to the ISO 20022 messaging standard, effective since March 29, 2025. This upgrade represents a significant advancement in Ethiopia’s financial market infrastructure, substantially enhancing the efficiency, security, and reliability of high-value interbank payment transactions.
EATS serves as an essential pillar in Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem, processing over 3.5 million transactions annually, with an aggregate value exceeding 5 trillion Birr. The system supports real-time settlement among 35 participating financial institutions, including commercial banks and microfinance entities. Operating ten hours a day, six days a week (including Saturdays), EATS enables institutions to seamlessly conduct high-value financial transactions with immediate settlement.
Transitioning to the ISO 20022 standard introduces advanced messaging formats and a range of new functionalities designed to optimize operational efficiency and liquidity management. This includes robust liquidity management tools, enhanced security protocols, and superior transaction integrity measures, ensuring secure and reliable processing of interbank payments. Additionally, the upgraded system facilitates automated, real-time compliance with regulatory reserve requirements, thereby bolstering overall financial stability and strengthening market confidence.
The National Bank of Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to providing robust and resilient financial infrastructure, crucial for supporting growth, efficiency, and stability in Ethiopia’s financial sector. We extend sincere appreciation to our technology partner, Montran Corporation Inc., and all participating financial institutions whose collaborative efforts have made this significant upgrade possible.
