About NEWFin
NEWFin's Overview
NEWFin (Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance) fosters women's financial inclusion and empowerment through networking, development, and advocacy. Committed to amplifying women's voices, it enhances access, visibility, and impact in Ethiopia’s financial sector.
NEWFIn Overview
Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance
NEWFin, the Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance, is a pioneering network fostering women’s financial inclusion and empowerment within Ethiopia's financial services sector. Through networking, professional development, and advocacy, NEWFin strives to enhance women's financial inclusion and access to finance in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to create a supportive community for women professionals, promoting their development, visibility, and impact in the financial services sector. At the heart of NEWFin lies a commitment to not just advocate for, but actively foster, the growth and visibility of women in finance. We are dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and propelling their financial inclusion forward.
NEWFin's Mission
NEWFin's mission is to empower women in Ethiopia’s finance by fostering a supportive community, promoting professional development, and advocating for gender equality within the financial sector. Through networking, mentorship, and advocacy, NEWFin strives to enhance women's representation in leadership roles and ensure their equitable access to financial services, contributing to the overall economic empowerment of women in Ethiopia.
Leadership and Board Members
The leadership of NEWFin comprises a dynamic team of seasoned professionals and advocates for gender equality in finance, including executive representatives from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders. This dedicated group provides strategic direction, ensuring NEWFin's activities align with its mission and goals. The board of advisors, selected for their expertise and commitment to women’s empowerment, plays a crucial role in guiding NEWFin towards achieving its objectives.
Berhane Demisse
Managing Partner at Cepheus Growth Capital Partners
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.Brutawit Dawit Abdi
The CEO of Lefayda Microfinance
Emebet Melese Zeleke (PhD)
VP of Strategy Planning and Transformation at CBE
Frehiwot Alemayehu
Chief Customer Officer at Awash Insurance
Hikmet Abdella
Director General of the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE)
Jotework Gudeta Ayele
Senior Advisor to the Governor at the National Bank of Ethiopia
Melika Bedri
A recognized leader, Melika Bedri, Founding CEO of ZamZam Bank
Weynshet Zeberga
Weynshet Zeberga, Director at the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE)
Corporate Partners
NEWFin is open to collaborating with a range of corporate partners, including financial institutions, educational organizations, and industry associations. These partnerships are essential for NEWFin to offer a wide array of programs and resources aimed at the professional development of women in the financial sector. Corporate partners will be poised to support NEWFin’s mission through financial contributions, in-kind services, and by providing platforms for advocacy and networking opportunities.
Partners and Sponsors
NEWFin's efforts are supported by various partners and sponsors, including international development organizations, local NGOs focused on women's empowerment, and private sector entities committed to gender equality. These collaborations enhance NEWFin’s capacity to deliver impactful programs, conduct advocacy, and extend its reach within Ethiopia and beyond. Partners and sponsors are instrumental in enabling NEWFin to achieve its vision of a more inclusive and equitable financial sector.
Contact us
Want to get in touch? We make it our priority to respond to every request within 24h.
