Ethiopia's dollar demand exceeds supply by $16.73 million
Commercial banks bid $156.73 million for foreign currency at the National Bank of Ethiopia's latest auction.
Commercial banks submitted bids totaling USD 156.73 million in Foreign Exchange Auction No. 32, held by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) on November 10, 2026. The central bank had allocated USD 140 million, leaving unmet demand of USD 16.73 million. 31 commercial banks took part, and 26 of them secured foreign currency.
The marginal rate, which the central bank calls the cut-off rate, settled at 159.1876 Birr per US dollar. Successful bids were weighted at an average of 159.7091 Birr per dollar. The NBE said the excess demand continues a pattern seen in earlier auctions.
In Auction No. 30, held on October 13, 2026, bids reached USD 152.09 million against the same USD 140 million allocation, with a marginal rate of 158.1724 Birr per dollar.
Why it mattersEthiopian businesses that need foreign currency to import goods or services are competing for a supply that falls short of bids.