The Banking Executive Issue - October 2025 Issue

Egypt’s Banque Misr portance in enhancing bilateral trade, attracting investment, and adding value to Djibouti’s dynamic banking market. Rafea expressed his satisfaction in seeing this directive realized, calling the new subsidiary a financial bridge between Egypt and Djibouti. He highlighted the bank’s potential to stimulate trade, facilitate invest- ment flows, and finance productive, service, and development projects while contributing to knowledge ex- change, modernization of financial services, and greater financial inclu- sion in Djibouti. Banque Misr Chairperson and CEO Hisham Okasha stated that the es- tablishment of Banque Misr Djibouti underscores the bank’s national mis- sion as a cornerstone of Egypt’s eco- nomic system. He explained that the new entity will go beyond tradi- tional banking to promote trade, in- vestment, and sustainable development across East Africa, of- fering a comprehensive suite of fi- nancial and funding solutions. Okasha added that Banque Misr’s presence in Djibouti will help strengthen trade links between Dji- bouti and regional markets, particu- larly Egypt, the UAE, and Europe—regions where Banque Misr already operates through sub- sidiaries and branches. He noted that the expansion comes at a time of strong economic growth in Dji- bouti, driven by major investments in ports, logistics, and energy, creat- ing opportunities for innovative fi- nancial solutions that support regional development. Ahmed Osman, Governor of the Central Bank of Djibouti, hailed the launch as the start of a new chapter in economic relations between Egypt and Djibouti. He commended Banque Misr’s foresight in recogniz- ing Djibouti’s strategic importance as a gateway to East and Central Africa and as a hub connecting Arab, African, and Asian markets. Osman reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a stable, innovative, and inclusive financial environment rooted in digital transformation and international best practices. Hossam Abdelwahab, Deputy Chairperson of Banque Misr and Chairperson of Banque Misr Dji- bouti, described the new subsidiary as a strategic milestone in strength- ening financial and investment ties between Egypt and Africa. He em- phasized that the bank aims to sup- port and finance Egyptian and regional companies operating in Djibouti, facilitate their trade and in- vestment activities, and build strong partnerships with local financial in- stitutions. Abdelwahab added that the expan- sion reflects Banque Misr’s long- term vision of establishing a presence in high-potential markets to enhance financial and commer- cial connectivity between Egypt and its African partners, thereby con- tributing to regional economic inte- gration and sustainable development goals. ISSUE 202 OCTOBER 2025 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 23