Awash Bank has introduced Mesmer Digital Lending, a new platform aimed at providing loan services to small and medium enterprises through digital means. Developed in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and First Consult, it expands on the existing MESMER program. The initiative seeks to streamline access to credit for Ethiopian businesses.
On November 8, 2025, Awash Bank unveiled Mesmer Digital Lending, a digital platform designed to offer loan services specifically to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia. This launch builds upon the bank's MESMER program, which over the past three years has delivered financial support and business training to thousands of SMEs, fostering growth in the sector.
The platform was developed in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation and First Consult. It enables SMEs to apply for credit conveniently via the Awash Birr Pro mobile app or by dialing the USSD code *901#. Since the MESMER program's inception, more than 66,000 SMEs have submitted applications for financing, with over 13,000 successfully receiving a total of 1.3 billion Ethiopian birr in loans. Notably, women-led enterprises represent 32 percent of the beneficiaries, highlighting the program's role in promoting gender-inclusive economic development.
To support the increased demand and ensure efficient processing, Awash Bank has deployed 1,276 loan officers across the country. This expansion strengthens the bank's commitment to enhancing SME financing nationwide, addressing key barriers to business growth in Ethiopia's evolving economy.