A global leader in software solutions Neptune Solutions will be launching a branch in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa in the “next two months.”
The firm is at the moment hiring local staff, according to Raymond Badanga, the company’s country manager for Ethiopia.
When the National Bank of Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s central bank, earlier this year demanded that all commercial banks in the country integrate their payment systems into the national payment system, nothing much was expected, not until Berhan International Bank installed Rubikon, Neptune’s CORE banking system, to integrate with the National Payment Service.
Neptune Solutions then pursued other banks. The firm acquired a license to operate in Ethiopia earlier in May. It expects to start operations in August.
“It is important to be present in-country to negotiate with prospective clients and to offer technical assistance which is beyond phone or email contact,” Badanga said.
According to Badanga, Neptune wants to transform the Ethiopian banking scene. He says the firm is ready to help banks install their banking systems well as train its staff on how to use them [Neptune's systems].
Badanga says Neptune also has plans for the microfinance sector with a tailored package known as Orbit R software. He adds that the firm is also interested in making mobile banking and credit reference bureau services available to the banks.
Neptune Solutions, founded in 1999 in the UK, is not new in the East African region. The company has its regional office in Kenya with operations in Tanzania and Uganda.
Neptune registered the Ethiopian branch under its regional office in Kenya with a startup capital of US $ 98,500.
