Top Ethiopian Apps for Paying Bills, Sending Money In 2025
In 2025, Ethiopia is undergoing a digital transformation. More people now own smartphones and are connecting to mobile internet than ever before. Alongside this shift, mobile apps for paying bills, sending money, and managing finances have become essential tools in daily Ethiopian life.
Whether you’re a student in Addis Ababa, a small business owner in Hawassa, or a freelancer working online, using the right apps can save you time, reduce stress, and keep your money safe.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the best Ethiopian apps for:
- Paying electricity, water, and telecom bills
- Sending and receiving money locally and abroad
- Mobile banking and wallets
- Buying goods and services online
- Tracking your spending
We’ll also include real platforms, trusted services, and useful tips — all tailored for Ethiopian users in 2025.
💡 Why Use Mobile Apps for Financial Transactions in Ethiopia?
Here’s why more Ethiopians are using mobile apps to manage money:
✅ Convenience: No need to stand in long lines to pay utility bills.
✅ Accessibility: Works 24/7 — even on weekends and holidays.
✅ Speed: Transfer money in seconds, pay bills instantly.
✅ Security: Most apps are encrypted and backed by banks or telecoms.
✅ Cost-saving: Many apps reduce service fees or offer cashback.
📲 Top Ethiopian Apps for Paying Bills, Sending Money, and More
🔷 1. Telebirr (by Ethio Telecom)
What It Does:
Telebirr is Ethiopia’s largest mobile money platform, launched by Ethio Telecom. With over 34 million users (as of 2025), it allows users to:
- Send and receive money nationwide
- Pay electricity (EEU), water, and telecom bills
- Buy Airtime and mobile data
- Shop online
- Withdraw/deposit cash via agents
Key Features:
- Available in Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Tigrigna, and English
- Works even on feature phones via USSD
*127# - Compatible with Ethiopian ID for KYC
Download:
📱 Android App
📱 iOS App
Useful for: Everyday payments, salary transfers, merchants, rural and urban users.
🔷 2. CBE Birr (Commercial Bank of Ethiopia)
What It Does:
CBE Birr is the mobile money wallet of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). It offers a wide range of services:
- Utility bill payments
- Money transfers (person-to-person and merchant)
- Salary and pension collection
- Buy goods and pay in shops
Key Features:
- Integrated with CBE’s banking system
- Accessible via smartphone app or USSD
*847# - Linked to ATM withdrawals
Download:
📱 CBE Birr on Play Store
🌐 CBE Website
Ideal For: CBE customers, government workers, traders, and service users.
🔷 3. Amole (by Dashen Bank)
What It Does:
Amole is a digital finance platform that connects mobile wallets, bank accounts, and utility payments in one app.
Main Services:
- Pay for utilities (electric, water, etc.)
- Buy movie and bus tickets
- Send/receive money
- Access Dashen Bank services
- Scan QR codes for merchant payments
Unique Feature:
Amole supports online shopping and merchant payments more than other apps.
Recommended For: Tech-savvy users, online shoppers, and businesspeople.
🔷 4. Hellocash
What It Does:
HelloCash is a mobile money service provided by several banks like Wegagen Bank, Lion Bank, and Somali Microfinance.
Features:
- Transfer money
- Withdraw from agents
- Pay bills and buy goods
- Use via app or USSD
Why It’s Unique:
It’s heavily used in eastern and pastoralist regions, making it vital for rural inclusion.
USSD Codes:
- Lion Bank:
*803# - Wegagen:
*840#
Ideal For: Users in regional cities, small merchants, and rural communities.
🔷 5. Chapa
What It Does:
Chapa is a modern fintech platform that lets Ethiopian businesses accept payments from local and international customers.
Services Offered:
- Accept card, mobile, or bank payments
- Works with Telebirr, CBE Birr, Dashen, and international cards
- APIs for developers and eCommerce
- Local and diaspora-friendly
Unique Strength:
Perfect for eCommerce and startups looking to integrate payments online.
Visit:
🌐 https://www.chapa.co
Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and online stores in Ethiopia.
💸 International Remittance Apps for Ethiopians
Receiving money from abroad is common in Ethiopia. Here are apps you can safely use:
🌍 6. Remitly
- Send money from abroad to Ethiopian banks, Telebirr, or cash pickup
- Fast and secure
- Diaspora favorite
🌍 7. WorldRemit
- Allows senders to deposit directly into mobile wallets or bank accounts
- Also offers airtime top-ups
- Easy for family-to-family transfers
🏦 Bank Apps with Digital Features
Most Ethiopian banks have modern apps now. These are some top ones:
| Bank | App | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Bank of Ethiopia | CBE Mobile | Check balance, transfer funds, pay bills |
| Dashen Bank | Amole | Wallet + full banking |
| Awash Bank | Awash Mobile | Internal transfers, loan services |
| Bank of Abyssinia | BOA Mobile | Account management + QR payments |
🛒 Buying Goods and Services via Ethiopian Apps
Some local apps are helping people shop, order food, or buy electronics online:
- ZMall – Online shopping with home delivery (https://www.zmall.et)
- Deliver Addis – Food delivery from major restaurants
- TenaMed – Buy pharmaceuticals online
- Tikus Delivery – Fast courier and logistics within Addis
All these platforms accept mobile payments (Telebirr, CBE Birr, Amole, etc.)
📊 Bonus: Apps for Tracking Spending & Budgets
Here are general apps to help you manage money better:
- Money Manager Expense & Budget
- Wallet – Daily Budget & Finance
- AndroMoney
- Spendee
While these aren’t Ethiopian-specific, they work great for personal budgeting — even in Birr (ETB).
🛑 Common Issues and How to Solve Them
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t install app | Update Play Store or use APK from official sites |
| Account verification failed | Use valid Ethiopian ID or visit nearby agent |
| Lost access to app | Recover via email or phone number |
| App not working on Wi-Fi | Switch to mobile data or clear cache |
🔐 Safety Tips for Using Finance Apps
- Only download apps from the Google Play Store or official websites
- Use strong PIN codes or biometrics
- Never share your OTP or account info
- Beware of scam messages or fake agent calls
- Regularly check your transaction history
📌 Final Thoughts
Ethiopia’s mobile financial ecosystem is growing fast. Whether you’re paying your electricity bill from a rural kebele or receiving dollars from your cousin abroad, there’s now an app for that.
By using trusted platforms like Telebirr, CBE Birr, Amole, and Chapa, Ethiopians are joining the global digital economy safely and conveniently.
Written with Ethiopians in mind — helping you make smarter, safer financial decisions in 2025 and beyond.
Have a question about using an app or want help setting one up? Just a