A recognized leader, 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.
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