Binance has clarified that support for the Ethiopian birr (ETB) has not been restored on its platform, despite Ethiopian users regaining access to Binance services through the country's telecommunications network. The exchange said local currency trading remains suspended as it continues to comply with Ethiopia's evolving regulatory framework. Binance has confirmed that trading services involving the Ethiopian birr (ETB) remain unavailable, correcting earlier reports that suggested the exchange had resumed support for the local currency after restoring access for users in Ethiopia.
According to the exchange, Ethiopian users can once again access Binance through the country's telecom network following ongoing engagements with local authorities. However, ETB trading pairs and other services involving the Ethiopian birr have not yet been reinstated.
In a statement, Binance reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance, stating:
"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 clarification follows increased regulatory scrutiny by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), which earlier this year prohibited peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency transactions involving the Ethiopian birr unless expressly authorized. The central bank warned that unauthorized crypto transactions expose users to several risks, including fraud, foreign exchange manipulation, money laundering, and the absence of adequate consumer protection.
As a result of the directive, Binance suspended Ethiopian birr trading in May 2026 while indicating that it would continue discussions with regulators in hopes of restoring the service in the future. The suspension has had a notable impact on Ethiopia's growing digital asset community. Binance's P2P marketplace had become an important financial channel for freelancers, remote workers, importers, and businesses seeking access to foreign currency amid ongoing U.S. dollar shortages and foreign exchange constraints.
Despite restoring platform accessibility, Binance has not announced a timeline for the return of Ethiopian birr trading or confirmed whether support for the currency will be reinstated. Binance's latest clarification underscores the increasing influence of regulatory policy on cryptocurrency operations across emerging markets. While Ethiopian users can once again access the exchange, the continued suspension of Ethiopian birr services highlights the challenges global crypto platforms face when operating within evolving financial regulations.
Until regulatory approval is granted, ETB-related crypto trading on Binance is expected to remain unavailable, leaving users dependent on alternative channels for digital asset transactions.