Melika Bedri, Founding CEO of ZamZam Bank, brings decades of upper leadership experience in Ethiopia’s financial sector.

Melika Bedri’s career in the financial sector began at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), where she ascended to key leadership roles, including Chief Finance Officer and Vice President of Information Systems. In these capacities, she led major initiatives in financial strategy, investment, and technological innovation, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and customer service standards.

In 2020, Melika became the Founding CEO of ZamZam Bank,  Ethiopia’s first full-fledged interest-free bank. Under her leadership, ZamZam Bank introduced innovative banking solutions, established key international partnerships, and garnered several prestigious awards, including “Best New Financial Inclusion Brand” in 2022 and the “Strongest Islamic Retail Bank in Ethiopia” the same year.

Melika’s professional trajectory is marked by her significant contributions to Ethiopia’s banking sector, starting with her foundational education in Banking and Finance from Addis Ababa Commercial College and advancing with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Addis Ababa University. Her academic journey culminated in a master’s degree in business administration from the Open University of London, equipping her with extensive knowledge in financial management and strategic planning.

Throughout her career, Melika has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the banking industry with numerous awards, such as Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Islamic Retail Banking Awards – CEO of the Year 2022. Her participation in global forums on Islamic finance and women’s leadership underscores her commitment to advancing the financial sector and empowering women within it.

Frehiwot Alemayehu, Chief Customer Officer at Awash Insurance, s a seasoned veteran in the insurance industry, with an impressive career spanning 19 years.

Frehiwot Alemayehu is a seasoned veteran in the insurance industry, with an impressive career spanning 19 years. She currently serves as the Chief Customer Officer at Awash Insurance, one of Ethiopia’s premier insurance companies. Her academic journey at Addis Ababa University has played a crucial role in equipping her with the knowledge and skills required for her professional achievements.

Frehiwot’s role at Awash Insurance is pivotal, focusing on customer satisfaction and strategic customer service initiatives. Her excellence in these areas has significantly contributed to enhancing the company’s market presence and customer loyalty. Demonstrating her versatile leadership capabilities, Frehiwot has also taken on the role of Acting CEO, showcasing her ability to steer the company through strategic decisions and operational challenges with adeptness and vision. Her leadership and strategic insights have been integral to the company’s growth and success, reinforcing Awash Insurance’s position in the Ethiopian insurance sector.

Emebet Melese Zeleke (PhD) is the President of the Development Bank of Ethiopia, bringing over 22 years of distinguished experience in the banking sector. With an extensive background in business leadership and finance, she also serves as the CEO of NIB Bank and previously held the position of Vice President for Strategy, Planning, and Transformation at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Dr. Emebet’s academic credentials include a PhD in Business Leadership from Addis Ababa University School of Commerce, along with an MSc and a BA in Accounting and Finance from the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics.

Her career at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has been marked by pivotal contributions to transformational initiatives over the past decade. She played a critical role in establishing the bank’s risk management and compliance framework, reengineering facilities management processes, streamlining credit operations, and implementing the Bank’s Service Excellence Model. Additionally, she led the revision of the bank-wide organizational structure and spearheaded its reform, transformation, and strategic design efforts.

A notable achievement includes her successful coordination of a World Bank-funded project, which involved a comprehensive institutional assessment and the development of a five-year strategic plan. Completed ahead of schedule and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, this project underscores her expertise in managing complex initiatives. Her strategic vision was further demonstrated in crafting the bank’s ten-year strategy and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of transformation programs.

Brutawit Dawit Abdi

CEO of Wegagen Capital Investment Bank

Brutawit Dawit Abdi is a distinguished figure in finance and international development, bringing over thirty years of multifaceted experience. Her career spans leadership roles within the U.S. banking system, Ethiopian private commercial banks, and significant contributions to non-profit organizations and development projects across the U.S., Africa, and the Middle East.

Her tenure includes pivotal positions such as President and CEO of Wegagen Bank (1997–2004) and Zemen Bank (2009–2011), where she spearheaded innovations in banking services and digital financial solutions. As Country Representative and Chief of Party for ACDI/VOCA (March 2005–October 2008), Brutawit excelled in program management, strategic planning, and capacity building, with a strong emphasis on local and sustainable development. She also served as CEO of Lefayda Microfinance, driving economic advancement through financial inclusion and community empowerment.

Currently, she is the CEO of Wegagen Capital Investment Bank. Brutawit’s expertise is bolstered by an MBA in Applied Economics and International Trade from George Washington University, along with diplomas and certifications in banking, financial analysis, and international standards from prestigious institutions.

Hikmet Abdella is the current CEO of Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Ethiopia and a prominent leader in Ethiopia’s accountancy and auditing sector. She previously served as the Director General of the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) from 2019, where she championed the advancement of the accounting profession. A trailblazer in her field, Hikmet founded the Association of Certified and Chartered Accountants (ACCA) in Ethiopia, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the profession’s foundations and fostering its growth nationwide.

From 2004 to 2012, Hikmet served as ACCA’s Country Director, demonstrating her deep commitment to Ethiopia’s financial sector while extending her influence across Eastern Africa, including operational oversight in Ethiopia and Sudan. During this time, she made significant contributions to ACCA’s strategic direction, elevating the standards and reach of professional accountancy in the region.

Earlier in her career, Hikmet drove progress in infrastructure development as General Manager of Attco, a family-owned business. In this role, she expanded operations across Ethiopia and other African countries, representing manufacturers and contributing to sectoral growth and diversification.

Under her leadership, the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) focused on safeguarding public interest by regulating the profession, issuing nationally and internationally recognized accountancy qualifications, setting auditing standards, and enforcing financial reporting laws.

Jotework Gudeta Ayele serves as a Senior Advisor to the Governor at the National Bank of Ethiopia. She brings over 15 years of dedicated experience.

Jotework Gudeta Ayele serves as a Senior Advisor to the Governor at the National Bank of Ethiopia, where she has been instrumental in driving substantial reforms across the financial sector. Her work, characterized by over 15 years of dedicated service, focuses on enhancing credit infrastructure, agricultural financing, financial inclusion, and supporting private sector development. Jotework’s leadership was pivotal in the development and implementation of the National Warehouse Receipt System in Ethiopia, a landmark initiative that has significantly bolstered agricultural financing and credit availability.

Her efforts have extended beyond technical reforms to include the facilitation of public-private dialogues, thereby improving operational barriers and access to finance for businesses. As part of the founding team of the Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance (NEWFin), she has actively championed gender equality and sought to increase the representation and participation of women within the financial sector. This initiative aligns with her commitment to creating an inclusive financial landscape in Ethiopia.

Jotework holds an Advanced M.Sc. in Globalization and Development Policy from the Institute of Development Policy and Management at the University of Antwerp, and an MA in International Trade Policy Analysis from Addis Ababa University. Her academic achievements, coupled with her extensive field experience, have equipped her with a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of financial sector development, making her a key figure in Ethiopia’s economic reform and gender-focused financial inclusion efforts.

Berhane Demissie, Managing Partner at Cepheus Growth Capital Partners, is a trailblazing finance expert driving SME growth and championing economic empowerment in Ethiopia. Berhane Demissie is a prominent leader in Ethiopia’s financial landscape, co-founding and managing Cepheus Growth Capital Partners. This private equity firm specializes in providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia, playing a crucial role in their development and the broader economic progress of the nation. Berhane’s rich background in private equity, spanning over a decade within Ethiopia, underpins her pivotal role in the firm’s achievements. Prior to establishing Cepheus, Berhane made significant contributions to the Ethiopian government’s financial sector reform efforts, working as a Senior Consultant for the Public Financial Enterprises Agency in Addis Ababa. Over five years, she was deeply involved in enhancing the operational efficiencies of Ethiopia’s public financial institutions. Berhane’s international exposure includes her tenure at Citigroup in London, where she was an integral part of the Corporate and Portfolio Risk Management groups, sharpening her expertise in financial analysis and risk management.

Berhane’s academic credentials are formidable, holding a Bachelor of Science with honors from Greenwich University and furthering her education with a Higher Diploma (DIC) and an MBA from Imperial College London. At Cepheus Growth Capital Partners, Berhane is entrusted with the comprehensive management of the fund in Ethiopia. Her responsibilities are diverse, covering deal sourcing, execution, portfolio management, and exit strategies. She also serves on Cepheus’ Investment Committee, where her invaluable experience and insights contribute to the firm’s strategic direction.

Weynshet Zeberga, Director at the National Bank of Ethiopia , is a seasoned finance professional championing economic growth and gender equality in the sector.

Weynshet Zeberga stands as an influential figure within Ethiopia’s financial sector, holding the position of Director at the Monetary and Financial Analysis Directorate of the National Bank of Ethiopia. Her professional journey began at the National Bank as an Assistant Research Officer, a role through which she showcased her innate talent and unwavering dedication to financial analysis and policy development. Her ascent to the role of Director is a testament to her profound expertise and the significant impact she has made within the banking sector.

In her current capacity, Weynshet and her team are instrumental in steering Ethiopia toward financial stability and economic growth, underpinning her contributions with robust monetary analysis and financial oversight. Her work not only supports the National Bank’s strategic objectives but also aligns with the broader goals of enhancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment, especially for women.