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Looking beyond its domestic market in Egypt, Islam Zekry of the International Commercial Bank (CIB), head of the Finance and Operations group, reveals that the bank’s vision is a key financial partner for African economic expansion. To do this, he takes advantage of Kenya as a strategic center, while prioritizing the strong growth sectors and supporting Egyptian SMEs, companies and exporters.
Global finance (GF): What are CIB growth plans for 2025 and beyond Africa? How are you going to get there?
Islam Zekry (IZ): CIB’s strategy is focused on expanding our imprint in East Africa by taking advantage of our expertise in businesses, SMEs and retail banks. Using Kenya as a regional center, we will extend our scope to other key African markets that have solid commercial links with Egypt.
This growth plan is built on three key pillars: firstly, improve accessibility and profitability through mobile and online banking solutions; Second, by taking advantage of the African continental free trade area (AFCFTA) to facilitate transparent cross-border transactions; And thirdly, support green projects and financial inclusion initiatives to promote long -term economic growth.
With this approach, we aim to provide tailor -made financial solutions, improve customer experience and stimulate sustainable growth in the banking landscape evolving in Africa.
GF: What markets and sectors are growth priority?
IZ: By focusing on the markets aligned on the commercial interests of Egypt and which show economic potential, we prioritize the priority of SMEs and retail banks, commercial financing, digital financial services, sustainable finances, high net value individuals (HNWIS) and institutional banks.
In the sectors of SMEs and retail banks, we support the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem of Africa via tailor -made financial products. In addition, by expanding our digital financial services, we can improve financial inclusion.
We are also striving to integrate ESG and sustainable financing solutions into our operations to respond to the environment and society. For example, we have invested in energy, agriculture and infrastructure to stimulate economic resilience.
In addition, to better serve HNWIS and institutional banking customers, we have diversified business loans in emerging industries.
GF: What stimulates CIB expansion strategy?
IZ: We have found a significant increase in the demand for financial services which support intra-African trade through economic integration.
The tailor -made financial solutions that we offer in Kenya are a good example. These allow us to help companies fill trade gaps between Egypt and other African countries, while seeking to diversify our offers and to mitigate market risks to capitalize on Africa’s economic potential.
At the same time, CIB’s expertise in commercial financing has positioned us as a key trade facilitator between Egypt and Kenya, supporting import and export activities, the financing of the supply chain and cross -border transactions.
We have also developed a five -year financial inclusion strategy to provide vulnerable segments with easy access to financial services using digital solutions.
GF: How does the bank expansion path serve as a gateway to future growth in Africa?
IZ: Kenya has several strategic advantages that allow a regional financial center and a critical commercial corridor between Egypt and the wider region of East Africa.
We have already taken advantage of the leadership of Kenya in the digital bank and SMEs by providing an evolutionary model for financial inclusion across Africa. In addition, improved expertise in commercial financing and the Kenya commercial bank supports cross -border transactions and strengthens economic ties.
In short, by refining our approach to Kenya, we create a plan for sustainable growth across Africa.
GF: How do CIB customers’ offers allow it to succeed in efforts to develop regionally?
IZ: CIB’s growth strategy is designed to respond to a diverse range of customers thanks to tailor -made financial services for SMEs, business and detail customers and institutional investors. This makes us well placed to stimulate significant financial growth and financial inclusion across Africa.
For SMEs, we help them evolve effectively by providing specialized funding, digital banking tools and commercial facilitation services. For business customers, we have complete solutions for commercial financing and cash management to rationalize transactions on African markets. And for retail customers – including the non -banished population – we offer access to the digital financial products of the bank.
Meanwhile, to attract global institutional investors, we develop our business loans portfolio and create sustainable financing initiatives.
GF: How will the CIB position itself as a key partner for Egyptian exporters who develop in African markets?
IZ: To empower Egyptian exporters who seek to develop across Africa, we provide a range of services. Our commercial financing solutions range from credit letters to structured loans to cross -border support for transactions. We also organize dedicated financing programs aimed at strengthening the commercial links of Kenyan-Egypt thanks to specialized financing options for exporters.
In addition, we provide Africa Business Desk Services to help key industries such as textiles, sustainable consumer goods and construction. Combined with our commercial forums and our commercial delegations, we connect Egyptian companies to new opportunities through the continent.
In the end, our products and services align with our strategic investments, our innovative banking solutions and our cross -border partnerships, in order to shape the future of the bank across Africa, a market at the same time.
