The Development Bank of Ethiopia lends ETB 500,000 to ETB 50,000,000 to registered SMEs in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology. You must operate in a government-priority sector, have a viable business plan, and contribute at least 20–30% equity yourself.
The Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) provides medium and long-term loans to priority sectors including agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology-driven SMEs. Loans support working capital, equipment acquisition, and business expansion. Eligible businesses must operate in government-priority sectors and demonstrate viability.
Not eligible
Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds
Missing a business plan or CV? Write one for this funder · Build your CV
The Development Bank of Ethiopia appraises each application against two main criteria: financial and economic viability, and alignment with government development priorities (particularly job creation and environmental protection). The bank assesses your business plan, feasibility study, and ability to repay based on projected cash flow. Long-term loans are available up to 20 years; medium-term loans are 3–5 years. A decision typically follows within weeks of appraisal, though timelines vary by application complexity.
What reviewers look for
A long-term loan can run up to 20 years including any grace period, and is typically for equipment, land, or infrastructure. A medium-term loan is 3–5 years and suits working capital or smaller expansions. The bank will recommend the term based on your project's cash-flow cycle.
The bank provides permanent working capital as part of long and medium-term loans. For short-term operational working capital beyond that, you typically arrange this through a commercial bank under a tri-partite agreement with DBE and the borrower.
The bank does not state a minimum trading period. If your business is new, your feasibility study, business plan, and your personal track record become even more important. You must demonstrate market demand and realistic projections.
You must contribute between 20% and 30% of the total project cost from your own resources. The bank will finance the remainder.
DBE will conduct a credit appraisal, which involves reviewing your business plan, feasibility study, and financial viability. You will likely be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the project. The bank will then decide whether to approve the loan and on what terms.
Guide written from the official programme page on 16 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
IFC SME Ventures is a blended-finance equity fund that invests directly into high-growth SMEs and SME-focused funds across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a…
Nigeria
Ghana+5AgricultureTechnologyCANEX W is Afreximbank's initiative to support women entrepreneurs in Africa's creative and cultural industries, including fashion, film, music, design, and digital…
The AEDP provides trade finance, working capital, and export credit facilities to African SMEs seeking to expand intra-African or international trade under…
Ethiopia