Driving Ethiopia’s Fintech Revolution:
My 18-Month Journey at Eaglelion System Technology
Minalefetene4 min read·Just now--
In the last year and a half at Eaglelion System Technology, I haven’t just been managing projects; I’ve had a front-row seat to the digital transformation of Ethiopia’s financial landscape. Working alongside high-performing teams and visionary leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how bold ideas can bridge the gap between traditional banking and the future of finance.
Every milestone reached wasn’t just a “launch” — it was a contribution to our country’s sovereign digital capabilities.
1. Breaking Ground: The Dashen SuperApp
Launched: January 14, 2025
My journey began with the Dashen SuperApp, the first of its kind in Ethiopia. Leading this alongside my co-project manager, we delivered a platform that merged financial services with lifestyle needs into a single ecosystem.
This project was my “baptism by fire.” It introduced me to the relentless culture of Eaglelion and the CEO’s vision — a vision I quickly adopted as my own.
It taught me that in fintech,
user experience isn’t just a feature; it’s the foundation of trust.
2. Speed as a Strategy: Gift Ethiopia
Launched: September 2025 (New Year 2018 E.C.)
Launched by the former Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), Mamo Mihretu, Gift Ethiopia was a masterclass in agility. We developed and launched this platform in just 17 days, working 24-hour cycles to ensure the Ethiopian Diaspora could send money and gifts home for the New Year.
Beyond the technical sprint, this experience was my deep dive into remittance laws and regulations. Understanding how to move value across borders securely is a pillar of Ethiopia’s economic future.
3. Redefining Merchant Payments: StarPay Gateway
Launched: January 16, 2026
Exactly one year after the SuperApp, we partnered with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) to launch StarPay. This is a secure, scalable gateway supporting everything from QR and USSD to Mastercard integrations.
Key Takeaways:
- Lean Leadership: I learned how to lead a high-impact project with a small, specialized development team.
- Complex Integration: Managing the technical handshake between diverse banking sectors and a centralized gateway.
- Regulatory Alignment: Deepening my knowledge of NBE’s payment gateway standards to ensure absolute security for businesses.
4. Pioneering New Remittance Frontiers: CBE Connect
Launched: January 20, 2026
Just one week after StarPay, we unveiled CBE Connect — the first Multicurrency Wallet in Ethiopia. This was perhaps my most challenging project to date. Because there was no existing regulatory framework for a multicurrency wallet, we didn’t just build an app; we helped pioneer the mandates.
We worked through the complexities of drafting laws and securing licenses for a product the market had never seen. It was a lesson in persistence, showing that true innovation often requires building the road while you are driving on it.
Reflections on a Year of Impact
The last 18 months have been a whirlwind of late nights, regulatory hurdles, and breakthrough moments. I’ve had the privilege of working with the brightest minds in Ethiopian fintech, and I am proud to say that we have moved the needle for our country’s financial inclusion.
To my incredible team and our CEO: thank you for the trust and the drive. We have made a difference, but with multiple projects still in the pipeline, we are only just getting started.
The future of Ethiopia is digital. Let’s keep building.
