Somalia was Ethiopia's main destination for remittances in 2021, according to a country ranking on the flow of such money transfers. Remittances refer to cross-border payments to family or friends and are often associated with migrant workers sending money back home to friends or relatives back in their communities of origin. It is estimated that about one in seven people worldwide are involved with remittances - substantially impacting payment behavior in, especially, Asia and Latin America. For Ethiopia, the top five recipient countries for remittances in 2021 included Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, and Congo- Kinshasa. Ethiopia's five main sources for remittances were the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Canada, and Sudan.

Remittances entering Ethiopia took less than one day to be processed in 2024, a figure that was much higher if cash or bank account transfers were involved. This is according to a Statista estimate that aims to compare the transaction speed listed for different international money transfer channels across the world. Generally, digital remittance tend to process remittances much faster. The figures shown here have originally been gathered by the World Bank using mystery shopping. "Traditional end-to-end" and "digital to traditional" are categories assigned by Statista, and refer to the payment method used at the remittance sending side and the method used when receiving. "Traditional" refers to cash and bank account transfers, while "Digital" includes everything that does not involve these (e.g., cards, mobile wallets, mobile money, etc.). In this statistic, the categories "traditional to digital" and "digital end-to-end" have been excluded, as there were not enough channels to use these. In the case of Ethiopia, the "traditional end-to-end" and "digital to traditional" covered 94.8 percent of all recorded channels since 2016.

Abstract

The Future of African Remittances (FAR) team conducted research on remittance flows to measure and understand the remittance process in sub-Saharan Africa. This ambitious and important research is initially focused on three countries in East Africa – Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

In order to glean insights into the remittance process in the three designated countries, the World Bank designed a two-phase survey process. Phase 1 involved conducting a national survey in each of the three countries. The purpose of the first phase of research was to collect a large representative sample of the adult population in each country. The national surveys provide important baseline data about international remittance flows including: an estimate of the percent of the total adult population that regularly receives remittances, the average amount of each remittance received, most common methods of receipt and top sending countries. Additionally, through the analysis of the national survey results, World Bank was able to identify areas of each country that have high concentrations of international remittance recipients. This important piece of information guided Phase 2 of the research – surveys of remittance receivers in each country. Whereas the national surveys aimed to collect general data about the remittance process, the surveys of remittance recipients allowed for the collection of more detailed data about the remittance process itself, how remittances are used, the relationship between sender and receiver, and interest in various financial products.

The results of this research will not only provide estimates of total annual amounts of remittances for each country, but also will tell us the percentage of the population in each country that is involved in the international remittance process. Furthermore, it will offer insights as to the degree to which Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans depend on international remittances and how the money is used, saved and/or invested. Results will also measure interest in financial products that, if utilized, can significantly impact the financial well-being of the population and the overall economic stability of each country.

Geographic coverage

National Coverage

Analysis unit

Households Individuals

Universe

The Survey covered the adult population.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

General:

The total samples were compiled utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling through respondent selection. Multi-stage random sampling ensured that a random sample of adults was collected in each country. First, after stratifying the population of each country by region and population density, sampling points (SPs) were determined. SPs were then randomly selected within each stratum. At each SP, respondents were randomly selected to participate in the survey.

Phase 1:

The first phase consisted of national surveys of the adult population of each country. The three survey samples were designed to be representative of the adult populations of these three countries. World Bank coordinated and oversaw all aspects of the sampling and interviewing process. A team of local field experts was hired in each country to conduct the actual interviews. All interviewers were professionally trained and supervised by research personnel. In this phase of the research, a total of 2042 Ethiopian adults were interviewed.

Phase 2:

Once the national surveys were completed, the results were analyzed to determine the areas of concentration of the remittance recipient population, after which the second phase of the project was conducted. This phase of the project included a targeted survey of the remittance recipient population of each of the three East African countries. Sampling Points were established based on the analysis of the national survey data and the identification of areas within each country that showed the highest concentrations of remittances received from relatives abroad in proportion to the sample size of all areas surveyed. Once again, local field experts were hired in each country to conduct the interviews, training and supervision of field operations. Languages of interviews were the same as those employed in Phase 1 and, again, all interviews were conducted in person using the PAPI method. A total of 400 interviews with regular international remittance recipients were completed in each country during August and September of 2010. The margin of error for all three surveys is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Detail:

The total sample was compiled utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling through respondent selection. This sampling method enabled B&A to ensure that a representative random sample of Ethiopian adults was collected. There are three stages to this type of sampling methodology. First, after stratifying the Ethiopian population by region and population density, sampling points (SPs) were determined. SPs were then randomly selected within each stratum. In the second stage, using the random route method, dwellings were selected within each SP. The random route method involves selecting an address in each SP at random as a starting point. Each interviewer was given instructions to identify additional dwellings by taking alternate left and right turns and stopping at every Nth dwelling. The third and final stage involved selecting actual participants - for each selected dwelling, individual respondents were chosen using a Kish grid. In a Kish grid, prior to beginning the interview, the interviewer first asks for the ages and genders of every household member (only persons aged 18 or older were eligible for selection). The individual to be interviewed was then chosen based on a random number in the grid.

Once the national survey was completed, B&A analyzed the results to determine the areas of concentration of the remittance recipient population, after which the second phase of the project was conducted. This phase included a targeted survey of the remittance recipient population in Ethiopia. Sampling Points were established based on B&A's analysis of the national survey data and the identification of areas of the country that showed concentrations of international remittance receivers in proportion to the sample size of all areas surveyed. Once again, local field experts were hired to conduct the interviews and B&A conducted all training and supervision of field operations. Interviews were conducted in Amharic and all interviews were conducted in person using the PAPI method. A total of 410 interviews with regular international remittance recipients were conducted in Ethiopia during August and September of 2010. The margin of error for the surveys is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Phase 1:

This survey consisted of 12 questions that were aimed at helping to identify some of the basic characteristics of the remittance recipient population in each country. Some of the variables included in this survey were – location, age, gender, amount of money received, method of receipt, origin of remittance, etc.

Phase 2:

The survey instrument for Phase 2 consisted of approximately 35 questions and included a number of variables aimed at obtaining greater detail about the remittance receiving process including costs, amounts received, information about the sender and the relationship between sender and receiver. Additionally, the survey measured interest in various financial products.

Response rate

Every effort was made to achieve the maximum possible coverage, taking cost, timing and other factors into account. A coverage rate of 97% was achieved in the national survey and the 3% of the country that was not covered consisted of areas that were either very remote (and difficult to travel to) or that had extremely small populations.

Sampling error estimates

The margin of error is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Personal remittances, received (current US$) in Ethiopia was reported at 539360389 USD in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ethiopia - Workers' remittances and compensation of employees, received - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Sending remittances to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa was significantly more expensive than countries like Ethiopia or South Africa, as of the first quarter of 2024. This is according to an average taken from different situation in which consumers send money worth 200 U.S. dollars from one country to the next - including cash, MTOs (money transfer organizations) or cards.

Remittances sent to Africa went largely towards Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco in 2021, with each country receiving at least 10 billion billions worth of dollars. This is according to a database that tries to model money sent internationally from one party to another. Remittances typically refer to money sent from migrant workers back home to family and friends, although there are other forms of this. Remittances can, for example, include pensioners who have a second home in a foreign country. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific - not Africa - is often referred to as the main receiver of remittances.

Abstract

The Future of African Remittances (FAR) team conducted research on remittance flows to measure and understand the remittance process in sub-Saharan Africa. This ambitious and important research is initially focused on three countries in East Africa - Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

In order to glean insights into the remittance process in the three designated countries, the World Bank designed a two-phase survey process. Phase 1 involved conducting a national survey in each of the three countries. The purpose of the first phase of research was to collect a large representative sample of the adult population in each country. The national surveys provide important baseline data about international remittance flows including: an estimate of the percent of the total adult population that regularly receives remittances, the average amount of each remittance received, most common methods of receipt and top sending countries. Additionally, through the analysis of the national survey results, World Bank was able to identify areas of each country that have high concentrations of international remittance recipients. This important piece of information guided Phase 2 of the research - surveys of remittance receivers in each country. Whereas the national surveys aimed to collect general data about the remittance process, the surveys of remittance recipients allowed for the collection of more detailed data about the remittance process itself, how remittances are used, the relationship between sender and receiver, and interest in various financial products.

The results of this research will not only provide estimates of total annual amounts of remittances for each country, but also will tell us the percentage of the population in each country that is involved in the international remittance process. Furthermore, it will offer insights as to the degree to which Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans depend on international remittances and how the money is used, saved and/or invested. Results will also measure interest in financial products that, if utilized, can significantly impact the financial well-being of the population and the overall economic stability of each country.

Geographic coverage

National Coverage

Analysis unit

Households Individuals

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

General:

The total samples were compiled utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling through respondent selection. Multi-stage random sampling ensured that a random sample of adults was collected in each country. First, after stratifying the population of each country by region and population density, sampling points (SPs) were determined. SPs were then randomly selected within each stratum. At each SP, respondents were randomly selected to participate in the survey.

Phase 1:

The first phase consisted of national surveys of the adult population of each country. The three survey samples were designed to be representative of the adult populations of these three countries. World Bank coordinated and oversaw all aspects of the sampling and interviewing process. A team of local field experts was hired in each country to conduct the actual interviews. All interviewers were professionally trained and supervised by research personnel. In this phase of the research, a total of 2011 Ugandan adults were interviewed.

Phase 2:

Once the national surveys were completed, the results were analyzed to determine the areas of concentration of the remittance recipient population, after which the second phase of the project was conducted. This phase of the project included a targeted survey of the remittance recipient population of each of the three East African countries. Sampling Points were established based on the analysis of the national survey data and the identification of areas within each country that showed the highest concentrations of remittances received from relatives abroad in proportion to the sample size of all areas surveyed. Once again, local field experts were hired in each country to conduct the interviews, training and supervision of field operations. Languages of interviews were the same as those employed in Phase 1 and, again, all interviews were conducted in person using the PAPI method. A total of 400 interviews with regular international remittance recipients were completed in each country during August and September of 2010. The margin of error for all three surveys is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Phase 1:

This survey consisted of 12 questions that were aimed at helping to identify some of the basic characteristics of the remittance recipient population in each country. Some of the variables included in this survey were - location, age, gender, amount of money received, method of receipt, origin of remittance, etc.

Phase 2:

The survey instrument for Phase 2 consisted of approximately 35 questions and included a number of variables aimed at obtaining greater detail about the remittance receiving process including costs, amounts received, information about the sender and the relationship between sender and receiver. Additionally, the survey measured interest in various financial products.

Sampling error estimates

The margin of error is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Abstract

The Future of African Remittances (FAR) team conducted research on remittance flows to measure and understand the remittance process in sub-Saharan Africa. This ambitious and important research is initially focused on three countries in East Africa - Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

In order to glean insights into the remittance process in the three designated countries, the World Bank designed a two-phase survey process. Phase 1 involved conducting a national survey in each of the three countries. The purpose of the first phase of research was to collect a large representative sample of the adult population in each country. The national surveys provide important baseline data about international remittance flows including: an estimate of the percent of the total adult population that regularly receives remittances, the average amount of each remittance received, most common methods of receipt and top sending countries. Additionally, through the analysis of the national survey results, World Bank was able to identify areas of each country that have high concentrations of international remittance recipients. This important piece of information guided Phase 2 of the research - surveys of remittance receivers in each country. Whereas the national surveys aimed to collect general data about the remittance process, the surveys of remittance recipients allowed for the collection of more detailed data about the remittance process itself, how remittances are used, the relationship between sender and receiver, and interest in various financial products.

The results of this research will not only provide estimates of total annual amounts of remittances for each country, but also will tell us the percentage of the population in each country that is involved in the international remittance process. Furthermore, it will offer insights as to the degree to which Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans depend on international remittances and how the money is used, saved and/or invested. Results will also measure interest in financial products that, if utilized, can significantly impact the financial well-being of the population and the overall economic stability of each country.

Geographic coverage

National Coverage

Analysis unit

Households Individuals

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

General:

The total samples were compiled utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling through respondent selection. Multi-stage random sampling ensured that a random sample of adults was collected in each country. First, after stratifying the population of each country by region and population density, sampling points (SPs) were determined. SPs were then randomly selected within each stratum. At each SP, respondents were randomly selected to participate in the survey.

Phase 1:

The first phase consisted of national surveys of the adult population of each country. The three survey samples were designed to be representative of the adult populations of these three countries. World Bank coordinated and oversaw all aspects of the sampling and interviewing process. A team of local field experts was hired in each country to conduct the actual interviews. All interviewers were professionally trained and supervised by research personnel. In this phase of the research, a total of 2022 Kenyan adults were interviewed.

Phase 2:

Once the national surveys were completed, the results were analyzed to determine the areas of concentration of the remittance recipient population, after which the second phase of the project was conducted. This phase of the project included a targeted survey of the remittance recipient population of each of the three East African countries. Sampling Points were established based on the analysis of the national survey data and the identification of areas within each country that showed the highest concentrations of remittances received from relatives abroad in proportion to the sample size of all areas surveyed. Once again, local field experts were hired in each country to conduct the interviews, training and supervision of field operations. Languages of interviews were the same as those employed in Phase 1 and, again, all interviews were conducted in person using the PAPI method. A total of 400 interviews with regular international remittance recipients were completed in each country during August and September of 2010. The margin of error for all three surveys is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Detail:

The total sample was compiled utilizing multi-stage stratified random sampling through respondent selection. This sampling method enabled B&A to ensure that a representative random sample of Kenyan adults was collected. There are three stages to this type of sampling methodology. First, after stratifying the Kenyan population by region and population density, sampling points (SPs) were determined. SPs were then randomly selected within each stratum. In the second stage, using the random route method, dwellings were selected within each SP. The random route method involves selecting an address in each SP at random as a starting point. Each interviewer was given instructions to identify additional dwellings by taking alternate left and right turns and stopping at every Nth dwelling. The third and final stage involved selecting actual participants - for each selected dwelling, individual respondents were chosen using a Kish grid. In a Kish grid, prior to beginning the interview, the interviewer first asks for the ages and genders of every household member (only persons aged 18 or older were eligible for selection). The individual to be interviewed was then chosen based on a random number in the grid.

Once the national survey was completed, B&A analyzed the results to determine the areas of concentration of the remittance recipient population, after which the second phase of the project was conducted. This phase included a targeted survey of the remittance recipient population in Kenya. Sampling Points were established based on B&A's analysis of the national survey data and the identification of areas of the country that showed concentrations of international remittance receivers in proportion to the sample size of all areas surveyed. Once again, local field experts were hired to conduct the interviews and B&A conducted all training and supervision of field operations. Interviews were conducted in English or Swahili depending on respondent preference and all interviews were conducted in person using the PAPI method. A total of 401 interviews with regular international remittance recipients were conducted in Kenya during August and September of 2010. The margin of error for the surveys is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Phase 1:

This survey consisted of 12 questions that were aimed at helping to identify some of the basic characteristics of the remittance recipient population in each country. Some of the variables included in this survey were - location, age, gender, amount of money received, method of receipt, origin of remittance, etc.

Phase 2:

The survey instrument for Phase 2 consisted of approximately 35 questions and included a number of variables aimed at obtaining greater detail about the remittance receiving process including costs, amounts received, information about the sender and the relationship between sender and receiver. Additionally, the survey measured interest in various financial products.

Response rate

Every effort was made to achieve the maximum possible coverage, taking cost, timing and other factors into account. A coverage rate of 85% was achieved in the national survey and the 15% of the country that was not covered consisted of areas that were either very remote (and difficult to travel to) or that had extremely small populations.

Sampling error estimates

The margin of error is approximately ±5 percentage points and the 95 percent level of confidence.

Ethiopia ET: BoP: Current Account: Secondary Income: Financial Corporations, Non Financial Corporations, Households & NPISHs: Personal Transfers: ow Workers Remittances: Debit data was reported at 29.870 USD mn in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 14.438 USD mn for 2015. Ethiopia ET: BoP: Current Account: Secondary Income: Financial Corporations, Non Financial Corporations, Households & NPISHs: Personal Transfers: ow Workers Remittances: Debit data is updated yearly, averaging 3.449 USD mn from Dec 1977 (Median) to 2016, with 39 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 64.414 USD mn in 2010 and a record low of 0.000 USD mn in 1994. Ethiopia ET: BoP: Current Account: Secondary Income: Financial Corporations, Non Financial Corporations, Households & NPISHs: Personal Transfers: ow Workers Remittances: Debit data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ethiopia – Table ET.IMF.BOP: BPM6: Balance of Payments: Detailed Presentation: Annual.

Goal 10Reduce inequality within and among countriesTarget 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national averageIndicator 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total populationSI_HEI_TOTL: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita (%)Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other statusIndicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilitiesSI_POV_50MI: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income (%)Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regardIndicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights lawVC_VOV_GDSD: Proportion of population reporting having felt discriminated against, by grounds of discrimination, sex and disability (%)Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equalityIndicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDPSL_EMP_GTOTL: Labour share of GDP (%)Indicator 10.4.2: Redistributive impact of fiscal policySI_DST_FISP: Redistributive impact of fiscal policy, Gini index (%)Target 10.5: Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulationsIndicator 10.5.1: Financial Soundness IndicatorsFI_FSI_FSANL: Non-performing loans to total gross loans (%)FI_FSI_FSERA: Return on assets (%)FI_FSI_FSKA: Regulatory capital to assets (%)FI_FSI_FSKNL: Non-performing loans net of provisions to capital (%)FI_FSI_FSKRTC: Regulatory Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (%)FI_FSI_FSLS: Liquid assets to short term liabilities (%)FI_FSI_FSSNO: Net open position in foreign exchange to capital (%)Target 10.6: Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutionsIndicator 10.6.1: Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organizationsSG_INT_MBRDEV: Proportion of members of developing countries in international organizations, by organization (%)SG_INT_VRTDEV: Proportion of voting rights of developing countries in international organizations, by organization (%)Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policiesIndicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of monthly income earned in country of destinationIndicator 10.7.2: Number of countries with migration policies that facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of peopleSG_CPA_MIGRP: Proportion of countries with migration policies to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, by policy domain (%)SG_CPA_MIGRS: Countries with migration policies to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, by policy domain (1 = Requires further progress; 2 = Partially meets; 3 = Meets; 4 = Fully meets)Indicator 10.7.3: Number of people who died or disappeared in the process of migration towards an international destinationiSM_DTH_MIGR: Total deaths and disappearances recorded during migration (number)Indicator 10.7.4: Proportion of the population who are refugees, by country of originSM_POP_REFG_OR: Number of refugees per 100,000 population, by country of origin (per 100,000 population)Target 10.a: Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreementsIndicator 10.a.1: Proportion of tariff lines applied to imports from least developed countries and developing countries with zero-tariffTM_TRF_ZERO: Proportion of tariff lines applied to imports with zero-tariff (%)Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmesIndicator 10.b.1: Total resource flows for development, by recipient and donor countries and type of flow (e.g. official development assistance, foreign direct investment and other flows)DC_TRF_TOTDL: Total assistance for development, by donor countries (millions of current United States dollars)DC_TRF_TOTL: Total assistance for development, by recipient countries (millions of current United States dollars)DC_TRF_TFDV: Total resource flows for development, by recipient and donor countries (millions of current United States dollars)Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per centIndicator 10.c.1: Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remittedSI_RMT_COST: Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted (%)SI_RMT_COST_BC: Corridor remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted (%)SI_RMT_COST_SC: SmaRT corridor remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted (%)