Kazana Group Launches SmilePay, Ethiopia’s Newest Digital Remittance Platform with NBE Approval

Smilepay, a digital remittance platform and a proud portfolio company of Kazana Group, is excited to announce the official launch of its global money transfer service, following regulatory approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE).

This approval officially licenses Smilepay to provide cross-border remittance services in full compliance with Ethiopian financial regulations. The platform is now live and offers individuals and businesses an easy, fast, and secure way to send money to Ethiopia from anywhere in the world.

Smilepay is currently integrated with 29 banks in Ethiopia, enabling users to transfer funds directly to local bank accounts or mobile wallets with unmatched reliability. The platform is built with a strong focus on safety, ease of use, and affordability—making it ideal for both personal and business use.

“Smilepay is unlocking a new chapter of financial connectivity for Ethiopians at home and abroad,” said Muluken M. Bekele, CEO of Smilepay. “We are honored to have earned the trust of the National Bank and are fully committed to delivering safe, fast, and transparent remittance solutions. Continuous innovation is our north star—Smilepay isn’t here to follow trends, but to create them. Whether through traditional channels or next-generation digital rails, we’re building a future where anyone, anywhere, can move money with ease.”

“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to driving financial innovation across Africa. Smilepay’s licensing is more than a business success—it’s a step toward empowering communities and strengthening economic ties between the Ethiopian diaspora and their homeland.” Addis Alemayehou, Chairman, kazana Group.

Smilepay is a new financial app designed to make cross-border money transfers faster, more affordable, and more secure—starting with the remittance corridor from the United States to Ethiopia. Whether you’re a member of the diaspora, an expat, a tourist, or anyone with a debit or credit card who needs to send money back home, Smilepay simplifies the process with instant, reliable transfers.

In addition to U.S. users, individuals in the UAE, South Africa, and Canada with dollar-denominated accounts can also use Smilepay to send funds to Ethiopia seamlessly. Support for local currencies such as AED, ZAR, and CAD will be added soon, offering even more flexibility for global users.

Smilepay plans to expand its send-side coverage to include key European countries, making it easier for the African diaspora across the EU to send money home. On the receive side, Smilepay will soon support additional African countries beyond Ethiopia, broadening its footprint across the continent.

As a portfolio company of Kazana Group, Smilepay is committed to delivering trusted, tech-forward financial solutions that improve access, transparency, and reliability across the remittance value chain.