Binance has clarified that the Ethiopian Birr (ETB) remains unavailable on its platform walking back earlier reports suggesting the exchange had restored support for the local currency after regaining access for users in Ethiopia.

The exchange said that while Ethiopian users can once again access Binance through the country’s telecom network following regulatory engagements, trading pairs and services involving the Ethiopian birr have not been reinstated.

“Binance remains committed to complying with all applicable laws and guidance from the Ethiopian authorities and will continue to support users while contributing to the long-term development of the industry in Ethiopia,” the company said.

 

The clarification comes after Ethiopia’s central bank tightened its stance on cryptocurrency transactions involving the birr earlier this year.

In a public notice, the National Bank of Ethiopia declared that birr-denominated peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency transactions are prohibited unless explicitly authorized, warning that such activities expose users to

  • fraud,

  • foreign exchange manipulation,

  • money laundering risks, and

  • the absence of consumer protections.

 

REGULATION | Binance Suspends Trading in Ethiopian Birr Following Regulatory Pressure

 

The restrictions prompted Binance to suspend Ethiopian birr trading on its platform in May 2026 saying it was working with regulators and hoped to restore the service in the future. The move highlighted the growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto-fiat trading channels in Ethiopia where Binance’s P2P marketplace had become an important avenue for freelancers, remote workers, importers, and businesses seeking access to foreign currency amid persistent dollar shortages.

 

REGULATION | Binance Birr (ETB) Trading Suspension Triggers Backlash, Exposes Ethiopia’s Hidden Crypto Economy

According to one user, the USDT-Birr market size in Ethiopia could be over $1 million daily with the most important component being the Birr-USDT P2P market.… pic.twitter.com/H7sENtl8LY

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 1, 2026

 

Binance has not indicated when, or if, support for the Ethiopian birr will return.

 

REGULATION | Nigeria Sues Binance for $81.5 Billion in Economic Losses and Unpaid Taxes

 

 

 

 

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