With Africa’s projected continued growth, a robust banking network is crucial.

Could you tell us about AfrAsia Bank and its role in the African banking sector?

AfrAsia Bank, true to its name, bridges Africa and Asia. Our solid foundation in the Mauritius IFC allows us to serve as a hub for trade and investment flowing into and out of Africa.

With Africa’s projected continued growth, a robust banking network is crucial. We empower Mauritian companies with trade and investment opportunities, while providing innovative and traditional financing solutions to our African clients, facilitating both short-term trade and long-term capital flows.

What industries and countries are you focusing on in Africa?

Our strategy revolves around client-centricity across key economic hubs of Africa. Understanding the needs of our African clients is central to our ethos as a regional bank, aiming to contribute to trade and economic progress.

Our extensive network anchored by our regional office in South Africa, positions us perfectly to assist our clients with their cross-border operations.

On this aspect, we collaborate closely with local banks, offering hard currency solutions when necessary, to deliver optimal value to our clients. We support commodity players and facilitate private equity flows to drive infrastructure development and sustained economic expansion.

How has AfrAsia Bank supported short-term trade for African banks?

AfrAsia Bank has been a vital bridge between Africa, Europe and Asia since its inception. This role is even more critical now, as Africa’s total trade surpasses USD 1.4 trillion. We’re committed to playing a key part in facilitating trade with our diverse suite of services. Our strong financial position, deep sector expertise, and extensive network across Africa empower us to support regional and Tier 1 banks through various hard currency solutions.

These include money market lines, import financing, and discounting export bills. This comprehensive approach helps our partners manage working capital effectively and streamline their trade operations.

What’s the strategy of AfrAsia Bank to help its corporate clients expand in Africa?

Supporting our clients’ African expansion remains a joint endeavour. From our Mauritius IFC, we act as a launching pad, facilitating the establishment of corporate structures and financing arrangements.

Local African banks become crucial partners, providing local currency funding and in-country services, minimizing risk and streamlining operations while AfrAsia Bank takes the lead in hard currency financing.