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Attijariwafa Bank's African Success and the Future of EU-Africa Relations

Mohamed el-Kettani, CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, discusses the bank's success in Africa, Morocco's economic strengths, and the need for a new EU approach to African development.

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France

International RelationsEconomyAfricaDevelopmentBanking

Attijariwafa BankClub Des Chefs D’entreprise France-MarocSafranStandard & Poor'sFitch And Moody’s

Mohamed El-KettaniRoss McinnesEmmanuel MacronMohammed Vi

Describe Attijariwafa Bank's strategy for expansion in Africa.: Attijariwafa Bank's strategy is to expand its banking services to a wider range of clients across Africa, including SMEs, the middle class and underserved populations. This contrasts with the past strategies of international banks focusing primarily on large corporations and high net-worth individuals.
What are the main strengths of Morocco as an investment destination?: Morocco's advantages include political stability, sound macroeconomic reforms resulting in low inflation and a stable currency, and strong governance structures promoting transparency.
Why have many European banks withdrawn from certain African markets?: European banks have withdrawn from some African markets due to the relatively small size of their African operations compared to their global balance sheets, necessitating the same compliance efforts despite limited returns. This creates an opportunity for African banks like Attijariwafa.
What are the key factors contributing to Attijariwafa Bank's success in Africa?: Attijariwafa Bank's success in Africa is attributed to Morocco's political stability, macroeconomic reforms, and strong governance. The bank's strategy focuses on serving a wider range of clients, including SMEs and individuals, unlike larger international banks.
What is Mohamed el-Kettani's view on the relationship between Africa and the European Union?: The EU needs to change its approach towards Africa by investing in infrastructure and co-development strategies. Failure to do so will lead to increased migration to Europe and instability in the region. Africa should be viewed as a solution, not a problem.

Jan 20, 07:11

China-Africa Trade Booms as Zero-Tariff Policy Drives Agricultural Modernization

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Africa, his 35th consecutive new year's trip there, highlights booming agricultural trade with China granting zero tariffs to 33 African nations, increasing exports of products like Rwandan chili and Malagasy mutton and driving agricultural modernization.

Jan 15, 13:07

AfDB's Decade of Growth Under Adesina: Increased Capital, Global Influence, and a Call for Fairer Taxation

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Jan 12, 16:07

Tatu City: A Private-Sector Model for Urban Development in Kenya

Tatu City, a 5,000-acre privately owned development near Nairobi, Kenya, has attracted 26,400 residents and 88 businesses employing 15,000, showcasing a model of private-sector urban development in sub-Saharan Africa, despite legal battles with Kenyan authorities.

Jan 11, 19:09

China-Africa Partnership Deepens with Strategic Partnership Declaration

For 35 years, Chinese foreign ministers have begun their annual overseas visits in Africa, showcasing a strong partnership marked by infrastructure development (10,000km of railways, 100,000km of highways, etc.), agricultural technology transfer (increasing crop yields by 30-60%), and China's support for African Union's G20 membership, culminating in a strategic partnership declaration at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit.