Abe Sano, president of the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), has been recognized as “Outstanding Executive of the Year” at the Innovation and Leadership Awards organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) in Ethiopia.

The accolade underscores Abe Sano’s leadership in steering the country’s largest bank through a period of strategic growth and operational transformation. Under his guidance, CBE has strengthened its financial position, expanded its service footprint, and pursued innovation initiatives, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s financial sector.

The bank itself was also named “Bank of the Year” during the same awards, reflecting its dominant market position, robust performance, and ongoing contribution to the nation’s economic development. The awards were held alongside ICSA’s 23rd annual banking forum.