The German Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in cooperation with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) sponsored financial training for Ethiopians engaged in banking sector and the business community.
The event has enabled government officials, bank presidents, and the business community to learn about various solutions in the field of currency management, payment systems, and digital security innovations, according to the German Embassy.
The workshop that took place last week involved a wide range of presentations and discussions. The sponsor of this event, the German company Giesecke+Devrient, is a family owned business that has a long-standing tradition in the banking sector and seen many changes over the last 170 years it has been in business. The company’s products and solutions range from printing banknotes to providing sophisticated solutions in the digital space,” the Embassy said in a press statement.
“This experience and the perspective offers a potentially beneficial set of solutions to Banks in Ethiopia as they are evolving towards the adoption of global standards in the financial industry,” it said.
On the occasion, the German Ambassador Stephan Auer remarked: “Giesecke+Devrient represents a model of German SMEs with both a long tradition of being in business while also remaining on the cutting edge of modern technology and advances. Lately, for example, Giesecke + Devrient is playing a major role in the critical field of digital security. Every morning when I start my computer, the SINA logo pops up: a product of Giesecke+Devrient providing security for my online communication.”
“The workshop hosted by the National Bank of Ethiopian and sponsored by Giesecke+Devrient was an excellent opportunity to delve deep into a number of topics related to currency management, payment systems, and digital security innovations. This is only the first of a series of conversations with the banking sector and offers the chance to pro-actively drive change. As the National Bank of Ethiopia has been spearheading reforms to modernize the financial system, the experience and offerings of companies such as G+D can potentially play a supportive role,” the statement said.
“The overarching goal for all stakeholders involved is, we believe, providing accessible banking
services to Ethiopians and Ethiopian businesses. The German Embassy recognizes the ambitious reform plans the Ethiopian Government, including the National Bank of Ethiopia is working on. Germany encourages them to continue the path of reform and stands ready to support, where needed. Thus, we have been the single largest donor to the Multi-donor-trust fund supporting reform process in the financial sector.”
This commitment by the German government to support change and promoting a socially conscious yet free market economy is further strengthened by German enterprises, embodying these principles. The workshop series organized by Giesecke+Devrient is a prime example of knowledge transfer across continents and the importance of sharing experiences to find solutions.
G+D Ethiopia’s Managing Director, Beide Worku, stated, “We take great pride in serving as a trusted partner to governments and institutions, aiding them in shaping their future according to their unique requirements. With a longstanding tradition of investing in and remaining dedicated to our customers’ long-term success, our approach to Ethiopia is a natural extension of this tradition. We are immensely proud to be able to contribute to the promising future of this country.”