Business & Money
Standard Bank Targets East Africa for Growth in Key Sectors
Standard Bank’s focus on East Africa aligns with its broader strategy to tap into emerging markets with significant growth potential. By prioritizing investments in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, the bank is positioning itself as a key contributor to the region’s economic development. As East Africa progresses, Standard Bank’s strategic initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in fostering a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.
: Standard Bank’s focus on East Africa highlights its strategy to capitalise on high-growth emerging markets. By prioritizing investments in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, the bank aims to become a key player in the region’s economic development. As East Africa evolves, Standard Bank’s initiatives will significantly contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region
By Charles Wachira
Standard Bank is setting its sights on East Africa as a prime region for expansion, with a keen focus on the energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. This strategic move underscores the bank’s commitment to tapping into the region’s burgeoning economic potential and supporting its developmental needs.
East Africa, known for its vibrant economies and substantial growth prospects, presents an attractive opportunity for Standard Bank to broaden its footprint. The bank aims to leverage its extensive expertise and resources to drive growth in key industries that are pivotal to the region’s economic advancement.
“We see East Africa as a region with immense potential and numerous opportunities for growth,” said Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group. “By focusing on critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, we aim to contribute to the region’s sustainable development and economic prosperity.”
Energy Sector:
East Africa’s energy sector is ripe for investment, with numerous projects underway to enhance energy security and promote renewable energy sources. Standard Bank plans to finance initiatives that aim to expand access to clean and reliable energy. This includes investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects that not only address energy shortages but also support the region’s environmental goals.
Agriculture Sector:
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of East Africa’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to GDP. Standard Bank intends to support agricultural initiatives that enhance productivity, ensure food security, and promote sustainable farming practices. By providing financial solutions tailored to the needs of farmers and agribusinesses, the bank aims to foster innovation and growth within the sector.
Infrastructure Sector:
Infrastructure development is critical for East Africa’s continued economic growth. Standard Bank is targeting investments in transportation, telecommunications, and urban development projects that improve connectivity and enhance the region’s overall competitiveness. These investments are expected to facilitate trade, boost tourism, and create jobs, thereby driving economic progress.
Strategic Partnerships:
To achieve its growth objectives, Standard Bank is forging strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, governments, and international organizations. These collaborations are designed to pool resources, share knowledge, and drive impactful projects that align with the region’s developmental priorities.
“We are committed to working closely with our partners to identify and support projects that have the potential to transform East Africa’s economic landscape,” added Tshabalala. “Our approach is not just about providing financing but also about offering strategic insights and expertise to ensure the success of these initiatives.”
Conclusion:
Standard Bank’s focus on East Africa reflects its broader strategy to capitalize on emerging markets with high growth potential. By prioritizing investments in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, the bank is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s economic development. As East Africa continues to evolve, Standard Bank’s strategic initiatives are set to play a pivotal role in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.
Keywords:East Africa economic growth:Standard Bank energy investments:Infrastructure development in East Africa: Agriculture sector financing.
Strategic partnerships for development.
: KCB Group reports Sh44.5B ( US$ 342.31) nine-month profit, outpacing
Equity Bank. Learn about its 49% growth, challenges, and stock performance this
year.
KCB Group Plc has outperformed Equity Bank to cement its position as Kenya’s leading
lender, posting a net profit of Sh44.5 billion for the nine months ending September
This represents a 49% year-on-year growth, surpassing Equity Bank’s Sh37.5
billion profit during the same period.
Profit Growth Driven by Core Business Performance
The remarkable profit growth was fueled by higher earnings from both interest and non-
interest income streams. KCB’s diverse revenue base has been pivotal in maintaining
its dominance in the competitive banking sector.
Non-Performing Loans a Key Concern
Despite the impressive profit growth, KCB’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose to
18.5%, compared to 16.5% last year. This increase highlights persistent challenges in
managing credit risk, with Chief Financial Officer Lawrence Kimathi acknowledging it as
a “pain point” for the bank.
KCB Stock Outshines Peers on NSE
KCB’s strong financial performance has translated into exceptional stock market results.
The bank’s stock has risen 78.8% year-to-date, making it the best-performing banking
stock on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
Plans to Sell National Bank of Kenya
Earlier this year, KCB announced plans to sell its struggling subsidiary, National Bank of
Kenya (NBK), to Nigeria’s Access Bank. While Nigerian regulators have approved the
deal, it is still awaiting clearance from Kenya’s Central Bank. The sale aims to
streamline KCB’s operations and address losses at NBK.
CEO Paul Russo Optimistic About Year-End Performance
“The journey has not been without its hurdles, but our ability to walk alongside our
customers has driven our success,” said KCB CEO Paul Russo. He expressed
confidence in closing the year on a high note, leveraging improving economic conditions
across the region.
Key Figures at a Glance
● Net Profit: Sh44.5 billion (+49%)
● Non-Performing Loan Ratio: 18.5% (up from 16.5%)
● Stock Performance: +78.8% year-to-date
KCB’s strong performance underscores its resilience in navigating challenges and its
commitment to sustaining growth in Kenya’s banking sector.
Business & Money
Top 10 Kenyan banks by total assets as of 2023, based on data from the Central Bank of Kenya:
KCB Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.425 trillion
Market Share: 17.4%
Equity Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.004 trillion
Market Share: 12.2%
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 661.7 billion
Market Share: 9.2%
Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 624.3 billion
Market Share: 8.8%
Absa Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 520.3 billion
Market Share: 6.6%
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 429.3 billion
Market Share: 5.9%
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 449.6 billion
Market Share: 5.8%
I&M Bank Limited
Total Assets: KSh 405.6 billion
Market Share: 5.4%
Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 399.6 billion
Market Share: 5.3%
Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited
Total Assets: KSh 201.9 billion
Market Share: 2.8%
These rankings illustrate the dominance of large Tier 1 banks, which collectively control over
76% of the market share. Strategic expansions, increased deposit mobilisation, and robust
lending practices underpin the sector’s strong performance
: Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of industrialist Pankaj Oswal, faces serious
charges in Uganda. The Oswals call for UN intervention amid claims of corporate
jealousy.
Vasundhara Oswal, the 26-year-old daughter of prominent Swiss-Indian industrialist
Pankaj Oswal, has found herself at the centre of a legal storm in Uganda.
Her father, a well-established business figure, is known for his diverse investments,
most notably a $150 million ethanol plant in Uganda.
This plant, the largest of its kind in East Africa, is a key part of Oswal’s broader strategy
to invest in industrial and eco-friendly solutions in the region. The facility produces extra-neutral alcohol (ENA), which is used in the beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
It is recognised for its modern technology and sustainable practices, such as zero liquid
discharge, emphasising the Oswal family’s commitment to both industrial growth and
environmental responsibility.
In addition to the ethanol plant, Pankaj Oswal has made strategic investments across
various industries, including petrochemicals, agriculture, and real estate.
His ventures reflect a global reach, extending to Australia and India, where he has
been involved in industries ranging from agriculture to renewable energy.
His diversified business approach and commitment to sustainability have made him a prominent figure in international business. However, in October 2024, the family’s legacy was overshadowed by the legal troubles surrounding Vasundhara Oswal.
She was detained on October 1, 2024, after being accused of involvement in the
alleged murder of Mukesh Menaria, a former employee who had worked with the
Oswals since 2017.
Menaria had accused the family of harassment but later testified under oath that they
had not harmed him Despite this, charges of kidnapping and murder were brought against Vasundhara.
Her family has strongly denied these allegations, claiming that the charges are
politically motivated and part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by their business rivals
in collaboration with corrupt officials in Uganda.
The Oswals have appealed to the United Nations, seeking intervention and asserting
that the legal proceedings against Vasundhara are unlawful. Vasundhara has actively managed the family business throughout her career, especially the ethanol plant, and led the company’s sustainable initiatives.
Beyond her business involvement, she has also been an advocate for community
welfare and mental health, further cementing the Oswal family’s reputation for corporate
social responsibility.
The unfolding legal drama has raised important questions about the intersection of
business, politics, and the legal systems in Uganda.
While the Oswal family’s ventures reflect a blend of industrial innovation and social
responsibility, the legal challenges Vasundhara faces have cast a shadow over their
business empire, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in East Africa.
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