A major contribution has been made to Ethiopia’s financial sector as the Network of Ethiopian Women in Finance (NEWFin), in collaboration with the SWIFT Program, celebrated the graduation of 1,000 young women professionals through the Young Women Professionals’ Development Program (YWPDP).
The achievement builds on NEWFin’s ongoing commitment to increasing women’s participation and leadership across the financial industry.
The Year II program expanded an already successful initiative that graduated 300 young women in its first year. Through SWIFT’s partnership, the program significantly increased its scale and reach, while also broadening its courses. In addition to the established leadership and banking tracks, a new insurance module was introduced, and the content was updated to reflect the evolving needs of Ethiopia’s financial sector.
Delivered at the Ethiopia Institute of Financial Studies by 44 IFC-LPI-certified trainers, the intensive three-week program brought together young women professionals from 30 banks and 11 insurance companies, alongside recent graduates aspiring to join the sector. Participants also benefited from enhanced mentorship opportunities and access to an online learning platform to support their continued professional growth.
The Year II program ultimately reached 1,202 participants, with almost 1,000 (963) meeting the eligibility criteria to become certificate-eligible graduates. To qualify, participants were required to achieve a combined average attendance rate of at least 75 percent across both the leadership training and one technical training track. Among those who qualified, 842 completed the banking track and 121 completed the insurance track.
The program was intentionally designed to strengthen both the immediate and long-term talent pipeline for Ethiopia’s financial sector. Of the certificate-eligible graduates, 79 percent were young women already working in banks, 10 percent were employed in insurance companies, and 11 percent were recent university graduates preparing to enter the workforce. By combining leadership development, technical skills training, networking, and mentorship, the Program helped participants advance in their current careers while preparing the next generation of women leaders.
The initiative also demonstrated exceptional sector-wide reach. Participants came from 42 financial institutions, including 29 banks and 13 insurance companies—representing approximately 91 percent of all banks and 72 percent of insurers in Ethiopia. Beyond Addis Ababa, young women from eight additional regions participated, creating a diverse learning environment and expanding professional networks across institutions.
Participant feedback highlights the program’s impact. Based on responses from nearly 900 participants, 97 percent reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the training. Many cited increased confidence, stronger leadership and communication skills, improved personal branding, and a deeper understanding of banking and insurance practices. As many said, “Because of this YWPDP, I am a more confident, reliable and motivated person.”
Designed by the National Bank of Ethiopia in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the SWIFT Program will continue working with NEWFin and the Ethiopian Institute of Financial Studies to build a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce that supports a stronger, more resilient financial sector for Ethiopia.
