How to Apply

Ready to innovate? Do you have a well-defined innovative solution for the Ethiopian financial sector? Applications for the first cohort of Regulatory Sandbox are open for 30 days. You can explore the application process and eligibility criteria on this website.
Application Process:
The application for the Regulatory Sandbox program is available on this website. Carefully review and complete the application form, ensuring you answer all questions thoroughly.
Remember the Following Prerequisites:
  1. Focus on Ethiopian Consumers: The proposed solution should primarily target and benefit consumers residing within Ethiopia.
  2. Genuine Innovation: The solution should offer something new or significantly different from existing products or services in Ethiopia. This can include novel technology, delivery channels, or business models.
  3. Consumer Benefit: The solution should provide clear advantages for Ethiopian consumers, with a particular focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Regulators may prioritize specific technologies, business models, or solutions aligned with policy objectives like financial inclusion.
  4. Ready for Testing: The applicant firm must be prepared to test their solution with real customers in a live market environment. This implies a fully operational product or service with all necessary partnerships and consumer protection measures in place.
  5. Need for Regulatory Support: The application should clearly explain how the sandbox can aid the testing process. This might involve seeking regulatory clarification, navigating ambiguities, testing within a controlled environment, or receiving feedback for further development.

Application form

You can Apply Here. If you are not able to open using this link, copy and paste the following link to the address bar of your preferred browser.

Google Form

Next steps
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and the Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority (ECMA) will carefully consider all applications. We expect to notify applicants of the outcome by [date].
If selected for the Sandbox, we will reach out to discuss your testing plan and provide any necessary regulatory tools. The sandbox process involves:
  • Testing Plan Agreement: Collaborate with us to define a clear testing plan for your solution.
  • Regulatory Tools: Receive any necessary regulatory tools or exemptions specific to the sandbox environment.
  • Testing Phase: Conduct your testing with real customers in a controlled environment.
  • Exit Strategy: Develop a plan to transition your solution to the broader market upon successful testing.
Contact us
Have questions about the Regulatory Sandbox program? We’re here to help! Feel free to reach out to us at [email address] and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.