Abay Bank increased its loan portfolio to 49.9 billion birr in the 2024/25 fiscal year, a 20 percent rise from the previous period, as the lender expanded credit to trade, construction, and consumer sectors despite higher operating costs.

International trade continued to account for the largest share of lending at 36 percent. Construction and infrastructure represented 18 percent of the portfolio, followed by domestic trade and services at 14 percent. Consumer loans reached 11 percent, while manufacturing, transport, and communication each held a 9 percent share.

The bank reported revenue of 13 billion birr, supported by higher lending activity and an expanding deposit base. Profit before tax rose to 4.2 billion birr, up 117 percent from the previous year. Total deposits increased 37 percent to 71.9 billion birr, with demand deposits climbing to 27.3 billion birr. Deposits under Abay Saadiq, its Interest-Free Banking service, reached 5.4 billion birr.

Operating expenses grew 40 percent to 8.8 billion birr as the bank scaled its branch network and digital infrastructure. Total assets rose to 91.3 billion birr, while equity increased to 12.2 billion birr.

Foreign currency operations increased 11 percent during the fiscal year despite ongoing constraints in securing correspondent banking relationships. The bank remains in the third year of its strategic plan, with a mid-term review scheduled to assess alignment across lending, digital services, and resource mobilisation.