The new building, which cost $303 million, will serve as the headquarters of CBE, which is also celebrating its 80th anniversary. During today’s inauguration ceremony and 80th anniversary of CBE, the Bank has awarded its long serving employees and those prominent individuals who have contributed significantly for the growth of the bank since its establishment.

CBE commands 54% of the market with total assets of 1.1 trillion birr, 824 billion birrs in deposits, & 34 million customers. Among the top professionals of CBE who contributed significantly for the growth of the Bank and received today superior service award are Teklewold Atnafu, who also the former Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (the central bank), Alemu Abera, who is currently serving as President of Buffalo Commercial Bank in South Sudan, Tilahun Abay, Ambassador Girma Biru, former Ethiopian Ambassador in U.S., and Dr. Tefera Degife.

After handing over the awards to the five individuals and their representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, congratulated CBE employees for completing the construction of the Bank and sustaining CBE as the strongest financial institution in the country for the past 80 years.