Astra Tech’s flagship fintech platform Botim has taken a major step in expanding cross-border financial services by signing its first direct banking partnership in Ethiopia with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). According to official data, Ethiopia received $5.10 billion in remittances during the first nine months of fiscal year 2024/2025. Ahmed Mourad, COO of Botim, said the partnership would “enable greater financial access, support remittances, and create new opportunities to strengthen cross-border connections.”Industry experts see several opportunities in the move. Moreover, Ethiopia must ensure its infrastructure—both digital and physical—is capable of handling larger remittance volumes without delays or errors. The partnership fits into a broader pattern of fintech-driven remittance innovations across the Middle East and Africa.