Why Financial Inclusion in Ethiopia Can't Wait
Despite rapid economic growth, millions of Ethiopians remain excluded from the formal financial system
of Ethiopian adults are unbanked
of rural residents lack access to financial services
have insurance coverage
more exclusion faced by women
01The Challenge
In Ethiopia, millions of people conduct their entire financial lives in cash, without access to secure ways to save money, build credit histories, or protect against emergencies.
Financial exclusion is not just a barrier—it's a daily struggle for millions. It limits entrepreneurship, health resilience, education, and economic security.
"Without formal financial services, Ethiopians have limited capacity to save for education, invest in businesses, or protect against unexpected crises."
— WORLD BANK FINANCIAL INCLUSION REPORT
02Our Approach
- Create a digital financial system that works for everyone, regardless of literacy or technical ability
- Create a digital ID system that works for everyone, regardless of literacy or technical ability
- Build on existing community financial structures like Iddirs that already have high trust
- Design a system that can function online or offline to accommodate varied connectivity
- Integrate with multiple service providers to offer a comprehensive solution
A Homegrown Solution with Global Potential
While other identity systems focus on government issuance or smartphone technology, ID-NET builds on Ethiopia's unique social infrastructure.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Leverage the cultural strength of Iddirs—trusted local savings groups—by digitizing their power to save, borrow, and insure.
Tech-First, People-Centered
A mobile-first platform with USSD, SMS, and app access, powered by AI personalization and blockchain-level security.
Women at the Center
80% of our agents are women. ID-NET empowers them to lead as financial educators, changemakers, and community anchors.
Conventional Approaches
Government-Issued ID
Requires existing documentation, centralized issuance, and consistent access to fixed infrastructure.
Proprietary Biometric Systems
Often dependent on consistent internet, advanced hardware, and external technical maintenance.
Smartphone-Based Solutions
Limited to those with smartphones and technical literacy, excluding many rural Ethiopians.
The ID-NET Approach
Community Verification
Local Iddir members verify identities using personal knowledge, requiring no prior documentation.
Hybrid Technology
Works with simple feature phones or in-person at community centers, not dependent on smartphones.
Offline Capability
System functions even in areas with limited or no connectivity, critical for rural Ethiopia.
ID-NET Solution
ID-NET bridges the gap between traditional community structures and modern financial systems, creating a secure, accessible digital identity solution tailored for Ethiopia.
Community-Based Verification
Leveraging Ethiopia's trusted Iddir networks for identity verification, eliminating the need for formal documentation.
Hybrid Technology Approach
Combining biometric verification with community attestation to create a robust and inclusive identity system that works offline and online.
Financial Inclusion Gateway
Enabling access to savings, microloans, and insurance products for previously unbanked populations across Ethiopia.
How ID-NET Works
A streamlined process built specifically for Ethiopia's context, balancing community-based verification with secure digital technology.
Join through a local Iddir or agent
Connect with an ID-NET representative in your community. Our local agents—80% of whom are women—will help you register through your existing Iddir or directly with ID-NET.
Access services via mobile or in-person
Use our mobile app, USSD code, SMS, or visit an agent to access your account. Our platform works on any phone, ensuring accessibility for all regardless of technology access.
Save, borrow, and insure with ease
Build your financial future through safe savings, accessible loans based on community trust (not collateral), and affordable insurance to protect your family and livelihood.
Receive ongoing support & financial education
Our agents provide continuous guidance and training to help you make the most of financial services. Regular workshops help build your financial knowledge and confidence.
Real Impact, Real People
Stories from our community members showcase the transformative power of financial inclusion.
Emebet
Farmer & Mother of Two
Before ID-NET, saving for emergencies felt impossible. Now, I have peace of mind.
Fatima H.
Iddir Chairperson, Oromia
As an Iddir leader, I've seen how our community has strengthened since joining ID-NET. We now manage our funds digitally, and our members have access to essential financial services.
Tigist W.
Market vendor, Addis Ababa
The healthcare savings account through ID-NET changed everything. When my son got sick, I didn't have to borrow money at high interest rates for his treatment.
Our Current Mission
We aim to transform Ethiopia's financial landscape with these key milestones:
100,000 people financially included
Provide accessible financial services to those previously excluded from the formal banking system.
500 agents trained (80% women)
Empower local community members, especially women, to facilitate financial services and education.
200 Iddirs onboarded
Integrate traditional community savings groups into the formal financial system, enhancing their impact.
5M ETB mobilized in digital savings
Drive economic growth by enabling community savings to be channeled through the formal financial system.
25,000 people insured
Provide microinsurance coverage to reduce vulnerability to financial shocks and emergencies.
10,000 people trained in financial literacy
Equip community members with the knowledge and skills for informed financial decision-making.
Frequently asked questions
In case you were wondering.
Be Part of theMovement
Join us in transforming financial access across Ethiopia through our innovative community-based identification system that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
For Individuals
Sign up via your local Iddir membership or find a local agent
Access services through your phone with USSD, SMS, or our mobile app
Join financial literacy workshops to build skills and knowledge
For Organizations
Partner with us to expand financial inclusion initiatives
Support women-led finance programs in rural communities
Contribute to technological innovation for inclusive finance