Ethiopia’s remittance landscape is seeing a major innovation with the launch of FrankRemit, a new digital platform offering instant money transfers to Ethiopia from abroad. The platform, operated by fintech players connected to SantimPay, officially went live this week, according to a public announcement on social media and details published on FrankRemit’s official website.
FrankRemit allows users to send money directly to Ethiopian bank accounts, as well as to Telebirr, CBE Birr, and M-Pesa mobile wallets. The platform also supports cash pickups at thousands of agent locations across the country, offering recipients in both urban and rural areas convenient options to access funds.
According to FrankRemit’s published details, the service promises instant delivery, zero transaction fees during its promotional launch period, competitive exchange rates, and full transparency. Users can track how much their recipients will receive upfront, without hidden charges, enhancing trust and predictability for senders.
The launch of FrankRemit comes at a time when Ethiopia is increasingly relying on remittance inflows, which reached an estimated $5 billion in 2024, according to World Bank figures. Remittances are a critical source of household income and foreign currency for the country, accounting for about 7% of GDP. However, traditional money transfer systems have often been criticized for their high fees and slow transaction times.
Global remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries grew by 3.8% last year despite economic headwinds, driven largely by digital platforms that offer faster and cheaper alternatives. Ethiopia, home to a diaspora estimated at over 2 million people worldwide, is a key beneficiary of this trend. The entrance of services like FrankRemit signals increased competition in the digital remittance market, potentially driving improvements in cost, speed, and reliability for Ethiopian families.
FrankRemit’s security measures including bank-grade encryption and offers customer support in Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrinya, and English, catering to Ethiopia’s diverse population abroad.
While FrankRemit operates independently, it shares ownership links with experienced financial sector players, suggesting a foundation of institutional knowledge behind its services.
