Best 5 telegram trading channels for Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, yet its financial markets remain understudied by international traders. In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of trading stocks, currencies, and commodities in the Ethiopian context, along with legal nuances and practical tips to minimize risks.

Ethiopia’s Economic Landscape and Its Impact on Trading
Ethiopia has shown steady GDP growth (averaging 6-8% annually over the past decade) but remains a country with high inflation (15-20% in 2023) and strict currency controls. The National Bank regulates the Ethiopian birr (ETB), creating artificial fluctuations on the black market. For traders, this means:
- Limited Forex Access. Legal foreign exchange trading is permitted only through licensed banks, and margin trading is prohibited.
- Commodity Opportunities. Exports of coffee, gold, and agricultural products make commodity futures potentially profitable but require trading through international exchanges (e.g., Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange).
- Stock Market. The Addis Ababa Exchange (AAX) lists just 12 companies, with a total capitalization under $5 billion. Liquidity is low, but some stocks (e.g., Commercial Bank of Ethiopia) offer dividend yields of up to 12%.
Post-civil war stability (2020–2022) has improved the investment climate, but risks of birr devaluation and corruption persist.
Parameter | Value |
Population | ~126 million (2024) |
Median age | 19.5 years |
GDP per capita | ~$1,200 (nominal, 2024) |
Internet penetration | ~25% (2024) |
Number of stock exchanges | 1 (Ethiopian Securities Exchange) |
Largest cities | Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Gondar, Awassa |
Practical Aspects of Trading in Ethiopia
Market Access
Local traders use brokers like Dashen Bank Securities or Ethiopian Investment Holdings, but non-residents face hurdles due to currency restrictions. An alternative is offshore platforms (Interactive Brokers, Saxo Bank), though fund withdrawals require conversion through official channels.
Taxation
- Stock trading profits are taxed at 10%.
- Income from international assets (e.g., African index ETFs) faces double taxation due to the lack of agreements.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Long-Term Investments. Given the birr’s volatility, shares in export-driven firms (e.g., East African Holding) may yield gains if the dollar strengthens.
- Black Market Arbitrage. The spread between official and unofficial birr rates can reach 30%, but such operations carry legal risks.
- Commodity ETFs. Indirect exposure via funds like Invesco African Resources reduces reliance on local risks.
Technical Tools and Analytics
Ethiopian traders rely on:
- TradingView to analyze ETB/USD cross-rates on unofficial markets (data sourced via local brokers).
- Bloomberg Terminal, accessible only to institutional investors due to high costs.
- Mobile apps like eToro, often used with VPNs—though this violates local laws.
Fundamental analysis is complicated by opaque corporate reporting. For instance, Ethiopian Airlines is profitable, but its financial disclosures are delayed.
Here are the most popular Telegram channels among traders in the country
Title | Telegram channel address | Number of subscribers | Language | |
1 | AyerBayer | https://t.me/ayerbayer | 47 582 | Amharic |
2 | FxMarshall free channel/signal | https://t.me/marshallfx_free_channel | 49 226 | English |
3 | SPIEF.inside | https://t.me/spief | 14 539 | Uzbek |
4 | Siinqee Bank | https://t.me/SiinqeeBanksc | 29 821 | Amharic |
5 | Ethiopian Securities Exchange(ESX) | https://t.me/Ethiopia_stock_market_exchange | 110ё | English |
FAQ
1. Can foreigners legally trade on the Addis Ababa Stock Exchange?
Yes, but approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia and a local broker is required. The process takes 3–6 months.
2. Which assets are the most liquid?
Bank stocks (Awash, Dashen) and birr-denominated government bonds. Forex pairs are accessible only via offshore accounts.
3. How to hedge against birr devaluation?
Diversify into African market ETFs or buy physical assets (e.g., gold through the National Bank of Ethiopia).
Conclusion
Trading in Ethiopia is high-risk but offers potential rewards for experienced investors. Success hinges on understanding local regulations, partnering with trusted brokers, and adopting long-term strategies.