Crypto in Ethiopia

The National Bank of Ethiopia's February 2026 notice says Birr-paired P2P arrangements on trading platforms, exchanges, or similar services are not permitted unless expressly authorised by the NBE, and that any Birr-denominated P2P crypto trading or exchange is prohibited. It says the NBE is working toward a comprehensive framework; a draft national payments strategy contemplates studying virtual assets and, if appropriate, creating a framework and pilots. These sources do not prove that every crypto asset or service is prohibited or permitted, or authorise a specific platform. Confirm the current scope directly before acting.

Official source for this framework: National Bank of Ethiopia: Birr-paired P2P cryptocurrency transaction notice, 27 February 2026 (supports: regulatory status, regulatory framework, regulatory timeline) · National Bank of Ethiopia: National Digital Payments Strategy 2026-2030 draft, virtual-asset study action (supports: regulatory framework, regulatory timeline)