Ethiopia advances digital lottery access through Coopbank platform
Cooperative Bank of Oromia has launched a Digital Lottery Sales Service through the Coopay E-birr mobile wallet. The launch marks a new step in Ethiopia’s digital transformation plans, leading toward 2030. The initiative aims to modernise lottery participation and expand access to digital financial services nationwide.
Digital lottery service introduced
The new service enables customers to purchase lottery products through Coopbank branches or the Coopay E-birr mobile wallet. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Ethiopian Lottery Service and TamCom Software Solutions.
Officials from the bodies involved said the system provides a secure and convenient way for customers to access lottery sales digitally. The launch reflects ongoing efforts to improve financial accessibility through digital platforms across the country. It also aligns with wider government goals to strengthen Ethiopia’s digital economy over the coming decade.
Launch event celebrates customer participation
The digital lottery rollout was announced during a Foreign Exchange Customer Awards Ceremony organised by the bank. During the ceremony, 63 winners received prizes recognising their participation in foreign exchange activities.
The prize list included a BYD Seagull electric car as the top reward. Two electric bicycles were also awarded to selected winners during the event. Several participants also received laptop prizes as part of the awards programme. The ceremony highlighted Coopbank’s efforts to reward customer loyalty while promoting new digital services.
Expanding access through mobile technology
Bank officials are of the view that the inclusion of lottery sales would expand the participation base for customers. The digital wallet currently has millions of customers within Ethiopia’s expanding digital financial services landscape.
In his remarks during the function, Abdi Fekede, Acting COO of Coopbank, highlighted the convenience of the service. He said, “Customers can now easily access lottery sales through Coopbank or Coopay E-birr, the country’s third-largest mobile wallet with over 21 million users and more than 4.8 trillion birr ($30.65 billion) in transactions processed.”
The statement reflects the growing importance of mobile wallets within Ethiopia’s financial services landscape. Mobile financial platforms increasingly support payments, transfers, and other everyday transactions.
Supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation
The introduction of digital lottery sales demonstrates Coopbank’s broader focus on financial innovation. The bank has invested in digital tools designed to expand access to banking services nationwide.
Through Coopay E-birr, customers can now engage with lottery services using a secure and user-friendly platform. The bank said the system aims to make digital lottery participation widely accessible across urban and rural communities. Officials expect that this will not only enhance customer engagement but also increase the adoption of digital financial services.
The initiative is also part of Ethiopia’s overall strategy for developing its financial system. In this regard, Coopbank is seeking to simplify digital banking services and lotteries while maintaining secure transaction processes. The new platform signals another step toward expanding Ethiopia’s digital economy in the years ahead.
A testament to the convergence of fintech and iGaming
The launch also reflects a broader trend across Africa where fintech and iGaming platforms are increasingly integrated. Across the continent, mobile wallets and digital payment systems have become essential infrastructure for online gaming services. These technologies allow users to deposit and withdraw funds instantly using mobile devices, making participation more accessible and efficient.
According to Temidayo Adebimpe, the SEO & Content Strategist for MyBettingSites Nigeria, fintech innovation has removed many payment barriers, enabling anyone with a phone and a mobile money account to transact on digital platforms within seconds.
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