Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender by assets, has officially opened a representative office in Cairo, Egypt, as part of its strategy to strengthen investment links between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and African markets.
The new office, announced in a statement on Thursday, will enable Standard Bank to better serve regional clients seeking to expand trade and investment flows between North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The move comes amid improving investor sentiment in Egypt, where economic reforms and increased Gulf interest have boosted growth prospects.
“We see Egypt as a natural bridge between Africa and the Gulf, and an essential hub for our clients seeking cross-border opportunities,” said Kenny Fihla, CEO of Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking division. “Our expansion reflects confidence in Egypt’s outlook and our commitment to deepening Africa’s financial integration.”
According to Bloomberg and Business Insider Africa, Standard Bank’s new office will focus on sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and trade finance, leveraging Egypt’s strategic position as an entry point for African investments. The bank, headquartered in Johannesburg, operates in 20 African markets and continues to expand its regional presence to support rising intra-African and Gulf–Africa capital flows.
