KCB Group is targeting entering Ethiopia before the end of 2026, as it seeks to expand its regional footprint, which is increasingly playing a crucial role in driving the lender’s growth in net earnings. KCB Group has narrowed down to a target entity that it believes will provide the right cultural and strategic fit to inform its entry into the market.“Last year, we indicated that there were a number of banks we were looking at for shortlisting. We are looking at this year, we are really looking to at least make an announcement in the course of this year”, KCB Group Finance Director, Lawrence Kimathi, said in an interview. KCB Group, however, said that it will be pursuing Ethiopia market entry through the acquisition of control of the target entity, something that may face regulatory hurdles given the ceiling placed by the National Bank of Ethiopia on foreign shareholding in the liberalising banking sector. The Ethiopia entry will be the latest in a stream of acquisitions by KCB Group, with the lender having acquired a 75 percent stake in Riverbank Solutions and a minority stake in Pesapal in 2025, pointing to a leaning towards fintech capabilities.

Source: Ethiopian News March 16, 2026 17:34 UTC