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Banking
Given its local market in Egypt, Islam Zekry reveals to the International Commercial Bank (CIB), the chief finance and operations official, the bank’s vision is to be a major financial partner of African economic expansion. To do this, Kenya is used as a strategic center, while giving priority to high -growth sectors and supporting small and medium companies, companies and Egyptian exporters.
Global Finance (GF): What are CIB growth plans for 2025 and beyond in all parts of Africa? How will you achieve this?
Islam Zakri (IZ): The CIB strategy is to expand our emissions in East Africa by taking advantage of our expertise in small, medium and retail companies. Using Kenya as a regional center, we will expand our access to other major African markets that have strong trade bonds with Egypt.
This growth plan is designed on three main columns: First, enhance access and cost efficiency through online banking solutions; Second, benefit from the African continental free trade zone (AFCFTA) to facilitate transactions across the smooth border; Third, support green projects and financial integration initiatives to enhance economic growth in the long term.
With this approach, we aim to provide custom financial solutions, enhance customer experience and push sustainable growth in the advanced banking scene in Africa.
GF: What are the markets and sectors are the priority for growth?
from: By focusing on the markets that are in line with the commercial interests of Egypt that show economic capabilities, we put priority for banking and retail banking services, commercial financing, digital financial services, sustainable financing, pure net individuals (HNWIS) and institutional banking services.
Within the banking sectors of small and medium -sized companies and retail trade, we support the growing ecosystem in Africa through specially designed financial products. Moreover, by expanding our digital financial services, we can enhance financial inclusion.
We also strive to integrate ESG and sustainable financing solutions into our operations to meet the environment and society. For example, we have invested in energy, agriculture and infrastructure to push economic flexibility.
In addition, for a better service to HNWIS service and institutional banking customers, we have diversified corporate lending in emerging industries.
GF: What drives the CIB expansion strategy?
from: We have seen a significant increase in the demand for financial services that support the trade of African through economic integration.
The financial solutions we offer in Kenya are a good example. This enables us to help companies bridge the commercial gaps between Egypt and other African countries, with a continuation of our offers and the market risk to take advantage of the economic capabilities of Africa.
In parallel with this, CIB experience in commercial financing has been put as a major trading facilitator between Egypt and Kenya, support for import and export activities, and the financing of the supply chain and cross -border transactions.
We have also developed a five -year financial insert strategy to provide weak sectors easily access to financial services using digital solutions.
GF: How does the bank’s expansion path as a gateway to future growth in Africa?
from: Kenya has many strategic advantages that enable it to be a regional financial center and a critical commercial corridor between Egypt and the broader East Africa region.
We have already benefited from the leadership of Kenya in digital and medium -sized banking services by providing a developmentable financial listing model throughout Africa. Moreover, commercial banking expertise in Kenya and banking expertise of companies support cross -border transactions and enhance economic relations.
In short, by improving our approach in Kenya, we create a sustainable growth scheme across Africa.
GF: How will CIB customer offers to succeed in efforts to expand at the regional level?
from: The CIB growth strategy is designed to meet a variety of customers through financial services designed specifically for small and medium -sized companies, retailers and institutional investors. This makes us in a good position to pay a meaningful financial growth and inserts throughout Africa.
For small and medium -sized companies, we help them expand efficiently by providing specialized financing, digital banking tools and trade facilitation services. For corporate customers, we have comprehensive solutions for commercial finance and cash management to simplify transactions across African markets. For retail clients-including the non-manufactured population-we offer access to financial products that focus on the bank.
Meanwhile, to attract global institutional investors, we are growing our corporate lending portfolio and creating sustainable financing initiatives.
GF: How will CIB put itself as a major partner for Egyptian exporters who are expanding to African markets?
from: To enable Egyptian exporters looking to expand all over Africa, we provide a set of services. Our commercial financing solutions range from credit letters to organized lending to support cross -border transactions. We also manage dedicated financing programs aimed at enhancing Kenyan commercial relations through specialized financing options for exporters.
In addition, we offer Africa’s business office services to help major industries such as textiles, consumer panels and construction. Along with our business and commercial waste forums, we link Egyptian companies with new opportunities throughout the continent.
In the end, our products and services are in line with our strategic investments, innovative banking solutions and border partnerships, with the aim of forming the future of banking services throughout Africa, one market at the same time.
