Banking, Finance & Economic Policy
Foreign Banks Retreat from Africa Amid Rising Costs
Since 2016, at least a dozen foreign banks have exited or downsized in Africa, raising concerns about reduced credit access and fewer investment flows into key markets.
Foreign banks retreat from Africa as costs, regulation, and weak returns bite, leaving local lenders and fintechs to fill the gap.
Foreign banks are scaling back in Africa as costs climb and margins thin. Rising inflation, tougher regulations, and currency volatility are forcing many global lenders to rethink their strategy.
In September 2024, HSBC Holdings Plc exited South Africa. The bank transferred clients and assets to FirstRand Bank Ltd. and Absa Bank Ltd. That marked the end of nearly 20 years of local operations. HSBC said it would now focus on Asia, where profits are stronger.
Global banks are retreating just as Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation, unlocks its financial market after 50 years.
Two months after HSBC exited South Africa in November 2024, Standard Chartered Plc announced the sale of its retail and wealth units in Botswana, Uganda, and Zambia. The bank expects the move to save $1.5 billion over three years. Executives said rising operational costs and inflation left little room for growth in those markets.
“The decision is consistent with our sharpened strategy, which focuses on scale markets and high-return opportunities,” a Standard Chartered spokesperson said.
Pressure from Regulation
The retreat also reflects rising compliance risks. In January 2025, Zambia’s market regulator sanctioned Standard Chartered for mis-selling Chinese property bonds. Authorities ruled the bank failed to disclose risks properly. The lender is appealing.
“Heightened regulatory scrutiny, combined with thin margins, makes certain African markets less attractive for multinationals,” said David Omojola, a Lagos-based analyst.
Local Impact
The exits have real consequences. In Zambia, Standard Chartered operated for 120 years. Its departure raises concerns about credit access, especially in rural areas.
South Africa saw a smoother transition. FirstRand and Absa absorbed HSBC’s clients, but both banks admitted the integration was costly. “We see opportunity, but ensuring service continuity remains a challenge,” an Absa executive said.
Broader Trend
Banking is not alone. In August 2025, Shoprite Holdings Ltd. announced its exit from Ghana and Malawi. The retailer blamed high inflation, import duties, and currency shortages. Shoprite had already left Nigeria in 2021 and Kenya in 2022.
The trend shows how global firms—banks and retailers alike—struggle in Africa’s volatile economies.
Local Banks and Fintechs Step Up
The retreat is opening space for local lenders and fintech firms. Africa’s digital payments market is projected to grow at 14.1% CAGR between 2024 and 2028, according to Statista.
Kenya’s Equity Group Holdings Plc and KCB Bank Kenya are already expanding regionally. Meanwhile, digital wallets such as M-Pesa and Flutterwave are pulling millions into the formal financial system.
“Foreign exits are not leaving a vacuum. Local banks and fintechs are scaling rapidly to fill the gap,” said Rebecca Njuguna, a Nairobi-based banking consultant.
Outlook
Foreign banks are not vanishing, but their role is shrinking. Most are shifting to corporate and institutional services while leaving retail to local players.
Unless governments stabilize currencies and ease regulatory costs, more exits are likely.
“The African financial story is no longer about foreign banks opening branches,” Njuguna said. “It’s about local champions and fintechs shaping the future.”
Banking, Finance & Economic Policy
How to Clear CRB Records and Rebuild Credit in Kenya
A paid-up loan remains visible, but repayment discipline reshapes lender perception. Consistency matters more than perfection.
A step-by-step guide for Kenyan borrowers on clearing CRB listings, restoring credit scores, and regaining access to loans responsibly.
In Kenya’s fast-evolving financial system a poor credit record can quietly shut borrowers out of opportunity. Bank loans, mobile credit, asset finance, and even employment checks now rely on credit data. As a result, a negative listing with a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) can follow a borrower for years.
However, having a delinquent record is not a life sentence.
Across Kenya, thousands of borrowers are working to clear CRB records in Kenya and rebuild their creditworthiness. They are doing so legally, step by step. The process requires patience, documentation, and discipline, but it is achievable.
What a CRB listing really means
Kenya has three licensed credit bureaus — TransUnion Kenya, Metropol CRB, and Creditinfo Kenya — all regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.
CRBs do not place borrowers on a denylist. Instead, they collect, store, and share credit data submitted by lenders. These lenders include banks, SACCOs, microfinance firms, and digital lenders.
Negative listings usually appear due to loan defaults, arrears, written-off facilities, or unpaid mobile loans. Importantly, CRBs cannot change records at the request of a borrower. Only the lender that submitted the data can authorize updates.
Step 1: Confirm your CRB status
Before taking any action, borrowers should obtain credit reports from all three bureaus. Under CBK regulations, every Kenyan is entitled to at least one free report annually.
Next, review the reports carefully. Check loan amounts, repayment dates, and lender details. Also, flag any unfamiliar or duplicate accounts.
Mistakes are common, especially with digital loans and older accounts. When errors appear, borrowers should file disputes with both the CRB and the lender. By law, lenders must investigate disputes within 21 days.
Step 2: Work with the lender, not the CRB
This is where many borrowers make costly mistakes.
To clear CRB records in Kenya, borrowers must deal directly with lenders. CRBs update records only after receiving written confirmation from the lender.
Borrowers typically have three options: repay the full balance, negotiate a reduced settlement for long-overdue loans, or enter structured repayment plans in hardship cases.
Once payment is made, borrowers should request a clearance letter or paid-up confirmation. Without it, records will not change.
Step 3: Ensure the record is updated
After settlement, lenders must submit a Notice of Clearance to the CRB within 30 days.
Even then, the loan does not disappear immediately. Instead, its status changes to paid, settled, or closed. While the record may remain visible for up to five years, lenders can see that the borrower honored the obligation.
Today, lenders often value consistent repayment behavior after default more than the default itself.
Step 4: Apply for a CRB clearance certificate
Once records are updated, borrowers can apply for a CRB Clearance Certificate from bureaus such as TransUnion or Creditinfo.
Although not legally required, the certificate signals accountability and financial discipline. Banks, employers, and business partners often view it as proof of responsibility.
Rebuilding credit is a long game
Clearing a CRB listing is only the first step. Rebuilding creditworthiness requires steady, visible effort.
Borrowers should start small. Controlled use of mobile credit, small SACCO loans, and secured credit products can help rebuild trust.
Repayments must always be on time. One missed installment can undo months of progress.
In addition, borrowers should separate credit from social pressure. Loans taken to support friends or extended networks often lead to repeat defaults. Credit scoring focuses on personal behavior, not good intentions.
Keeping credit utilization below 30 percent also improves scores. It signals financial control rather than stress.
Monitor progress regularly
Borrowers should review their credit reports every few months. Doing so confirms updates and catches errors early. Waiting for loan rejection letters wastes time and money.
Credit rebuilding moves slowly but is measurable.
Credit is reputation
In Kenya’s data-driven economy, creditworthiness has become a core part of a person’s financial identity. It shapes access to capital, housing, and business opportunities.
Clearing CRB records in Kenya does not erase past mistakes. Instead, it proves that borrowers can change.
Lenders do not look for perfect borrowers. They look for predictable ones.
Predictability — timely payments, transparency, and restraint — is entirely achievable.
Banking, Finance & Economic Policy
Equity Bank to Secure $60m AfDB Trade Guarantee
The AfDB-backed guarantee will allow global banks to confirm trade instruments issued by Equity Bank with reduced exposure to non-payment risk. Analysts say the move could improve trade finance pricing and liquidity across Kenya’s SME sector.
Equity Bank Kenya is set to receive a $60m AfDB trade finance guarantee to boost SME imports, exports and intra-Africa trade.
Equity Bank AfDB Trade Finance Guarantee
Nairobi — Equity Bank Kenya is preparing to receive a Sh7.7 billion ($60 million) trade finance guarantee from the African Development Bank (AfDB), a move expected to widen access to affordable trade credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen Kenya’s role in regional and global trade.
The AfDB board has approved the facility under its Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee Programme, which supports African banks by reducing payment risk on cross-border trade instruments.
The guarantee will cover eligible trade transactions originated by Equity Bank and confirmed by international correspondent banks. AfDB will provide up to 100 percent cover against non-payment risk.
Lowering Risk in Global Trade
Global banks have tightened lending standards in recent years. Higher interest rates, currency volatility and geopolitical shocks have raised the cost of doing business in emerging markets.
The AfDB guarantee directly addresses these risks. It allows international banks to confirm letters of credit issued by Equity Bank without taking full exposure to counterparty default.
This structure lowers funding costs and improves transaction terms. Importers and exporters gain access to longer tenors and more competitive pricing.
Trade finance remains critical for African economies. Many businesses depend on imports of fuel, machinery and raw materials. Exporters also rely on secure payment instruments to reach overseas markets.
SMEs Take Centre Stage
Equity Bank expects SMEs to benefit most from the facility. Smaller firms often struggle to access trade finance due to limited collateral and higher perceived risk.
The guarantee should ease those constraints. It enables Equity Bank to extend trade credit to more clients while managing balance-sheet exposure.
Sectors set to gain include manufacturing, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods and energy inputs. These industries rely heavily on predictable supply chains and working capital.
Improved trade finance access could help SMEs stabilise cash flows, manage inventory cycles and pursue export opportunities.
Aligning With AfCFTA Trade Goals
The deal supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade among African countries and reduce reliance on external markets.
While AfCFTA has lowered tariff barriers, financing constraints continue to limit cross-border trade. Many smaller firms lack access to affordable trade credit.
AfDB estimates Africa faces an annual trade finance gap of $80 billion to $100 billion. The shortfall restricts the continent’s participation in global value chains.
Guarantee programmes seek to close that gap by mobilising private capital and restoring confidence among international lenders.
AfDB Expands Its Trade Finance Role
The African Development Bank has expanded its trade finance operations across the continent in response to shrinking correspondent banking lines.
The lender uses guarantees, liquidity support and risk-sharing tools to crowd in global banks. These instruments help African financial institutions maintain access to trade flows.
AfDB officials view trade finance as a direct driver of economic growth. It supports industrialisation, export diversification and job creation.
The Equity Bank transaction fits into that broader strategy.
Equity Bank’s Regional Ambition
Equity Bank Kenya operates under Equity Group Holdings, one of East and Central Africa’s largest banking groups by customer numbers.
The group has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It continues to invest in regional payments, trade finance and digital banking infrastructure.
Equity has positioned itself as a regional trade enabler. It has expanded correspondent banking relationships and cross-border payment capabilities.
The AfDB guarantee strengthens that position. It improves Equity’s standing with international banks and supports higher trade finance volumes.
Kenya’s Banking Sector Context
Kenya’s banking sector has shown resilience despite higher interest rates and pressure on asset quality. However, lenders remain cautious about extending unsecured trade credit.
Multilateral-backed guarantees now play a growing role in unlocking trade finance. They help banks manage risk while supporting economic activity.
For Kenya, access to trade finance remains essential. The country depends on imports of fuel, fertiliser and capital equipment. Export growth also requires reliable payment mechanisms.
Why the Deal Matters
For Equity Bank, the AfDB-backed guarantee provides risk mitigation and balance-sheet flexibility. It allows the lender to scale trade finance without sharply increasing capital requirements.
For SMEs, the facility promises better access to affordable trade credit. That access could improve competitiveness and resilience.
For the wider economy, the deal highlights the importance of development finance institutions in sustaining trade flows during periods of global uncertainty.
As Africa pushes to deepen regional trade and integrate into global markets, structured guarantees like this one will likely become more common.
Banking, Finance & Economic Policy
KCB Kenya Accelerates $150m Green Lending
The financing will support renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture. It aligns with KCB’s goal to allocate 25% of its loan portfolio to green projects by 2031.
KCB Kenya obtains $150 million from AfDB to fund green projects, support women-led businesses, and expand trade finance capacity.
KCB Kenya Secures $150 Million AfDB Financing for Green Lending and Trade
NAIROBI, Dec 12 – KCB Bank Kenya secured $150 million from the African Development Bank on Friday to expand green lending and strengthen trade finance operations, the bank said. The financing will also support small businesses and women-led enterprises in Kenya.
The package includes a $100 million subordinated debt facility to bolster KCB’s capital base and a $50 million transaction guarantee. The guarantee will allow the bank to offer letters of credit and other trade finance instruments with reduced risk for confirming banks.
The deal is designed to channel financing into climate-aligned sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture. KCB plans to allocate 25% of its loan portfolio to green initiatives by 2031.
Alex Mubiru, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank, said the facility reflects a shared commitment to Africa’s green transition and inclusive growth. “We are proud to partner with KCB as this facility shows that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” he said.
The transaction followed rigorous appraisal and due diligence, highlighting the bank’s and AfDB’s role as counter-cyclical financiers supporting long-term economic resilience.
Supporting SMEs and Women-Led Businesses
The transaction guarantee will reduce risk for confirming banks and encourage wider participation in trade finance. Analysts say this could improve capital access for Kenyan exporters and importers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
AfDB and KCB said the deal will particularly benefit women-led businesses, which often face challenges accessing long-term financing. Expanded trade finance and credit access are expected to help these enterprises scale operations and secure contracts.
KCB’s Green Lending Track Record
KCB has been increasing its focus on climate action and financial inclusion. Last year, the bank disbursed $402 million in green loans, raising the share of climate-aligned lending to 21.32% from 15% in 2023. Projects included electric mobility, the blue economy, and climate adaptation technologies.
Annastacia Kimtai, Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, said the AfDB financing marks an important milestone in the bank’s sustainability journey. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to scale up green lending, catalyse private investment, and support Kenya’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” she said.
Economic and Regional Implications
Analysts said the financing underscores growing investor confidence in sustainable banking and Kenya’s role as a regional financial hub. Strengthened trade finance capacity could stimulate broader economic activity by easing credit constraints for firms engaged in cross-border trade.
The deal mirrors a wider trend among African financial institutions integrating sustainability into core operations amid global climate and inclusion expectations. KCB’s leadership in green finance may attract further partnerships and investment.
About KCB Bank Kenya
KCB Bank Kenya is the country’s largest commercial bank by assets. It operates 214 branches, 477 ATMs, and over 22,000 agents across East Africa. Its services include mobile and internet banking, supported by a 24-hour contact centre.
The bank is a subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, which maintains more than 200 correspondent banking relationships globally. This network facilitates cross-border trade and investment, supporting the bank’s role in financing climate-aligned and inclusive projects.
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