Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest financial institution by assets, has officially opened its new Representative Office in Egypt, marking a major step in deepening trade and investment ties between Egypt, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. The launch event, held at the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, underscores the bank’s long-term commitment to boosting regional integration and supporting Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
Egypt’s strategic position at the intersection of Africa and the Middle East makes it a critical gateway for north–south trade flows. Standard Bank says the new office will serve as a key link for businesses looking to expand into or out of Africa’s high-growth markets, while supporting multinationals seeking opportunities in Egypt’s diversified and reform-driven economy.
A strategic bet on Egypt’s growing economic influence
Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, said the expansion aligns with both Egypt’s Vision 2030 and Africa’s broader development agenda.
“This expansion reflects Standard Bank’s belief in Egypt’s growing role as an investment and logistics hub,” he said. “Our new Representative Office will connect Egyptian corporates, investors, and multinationals with opportunities across Standard Bank’s footprint spanning 21 countries in Africa.”
The office will enable Standard Bank to support Egyptian companies investing across Sub-Saharan Africa while also assisting international businesses looking to enter Egypt’s market.
Enhancing trade, investment, and on-the-ground market intelligence
According to Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group, the Egypt office will strengthen financial cooperation and deliver localised insights to clients navigating cross-border expansion.
“Through our presence in Egypt, we aim to foster stronger financial cooperation, provide on-the-ground market intelligence, and support clients seeking to expand between Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa,” Masinda said. He added that the office also connects clients to Standard Bank’s global hubs in Dubai, Beijing, New York, and London.
Strengthening the Africa–Gulf economic corridor
The new office also fits into Standard Bank’s broader Middle East and North Africa strategy. The bank first entered the region through the UAE in 1997, later expanding into the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where it has operated for nearly two decades.
Dr. Rassem Zok, Chief Executive for MENA and Chief Representative Officer of the Egypt Office, said the bank’s long history of bridging African and global markets will be a significant advantage for businesses operating in Egypt.
“With over 163 years of connecting Africa to global markets, Standard Bank brings a unique combination of local insight and pan-African expertise,” he said. “We continue to play a key role in facilitating trade and investment across Africa’s fastest-growing economies and other select emerging markets.”
A boost for Africa’s trade integration
By establishing a presence in Egypt, Standard Bank aims to accelerate regional integration, attract sustainable investment, and expand trade flows between Africa and the Middle East. The move cements the bank’s position as a leading enabler in one of the continent’s most active commercial corridors—the Gulf–Sub-Saharan Africa trade route.
