Standard Chartered Bank has renewed its pledge to accelerate economic growth and resilience across Sub-Saharan Africa by expanding its support in trade finance, sustainable financing, and infrastructure investments, according to the bank’s recently released Global Focus H2 2025 Report and the outcomes of the Africa Summit held in Lagos.
The report highlights strengthening macroeconomic conditions across the continent’s established and frontier markets, showcasing optimism for renewed investor interest spurred by appreciating local currencies and favourable disinflation trends in major economies such as Nigeria and South Africa.
These positive trends provide a foundation for increased fiscal sustainability following reforms such as Nigeria’s currency restructuring and subsidy removals, and South Africa’s credible monetary policy and easing inflation.
Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa, stated, “Africa’s economic potential is undeniable—and its growing resilience is evident in the structural reforms underway across the continent. With bold reforms progressing in multiple countries, this is a critical moment to invest in Africa’s future—and we are ready to play our part.”
Dalu Ajene, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, added, “We expect an acceleration of fiscal reforms to take hold in the Nigerian economy in the second half of 2025. Our role as a bank is to provide financing solutions that leverage this momentum by supporting key sectors to double down on investments historically held back by complex economic factors.”
In line with this commitment, Standard Chartered is expanding its sustainable trade and infrastructure finance initiatives across Africa.
In 2024, the bank financed over $4 billion in infrastructure projects continent-wide, including a $455 million blended finance facility supported by the African Development Bank for Côte d’Ivoire; $1.47 billion solar-powered electricity distribution project in Angola; and $1.46 billion term loan for Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway, one of the largest infrastructure financings in Sub-Saharan Africa outside oil and gas sectors.
Additionally, Standard Chartered recently concluded trade finance deals worth US$70 million and $100 million with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and British International Investment (BII), respectively. These deals aim to empower African local enterprises to expand their trade capacity, bolstering wider regional financial resilience.
The Africa Summit, convened by Standard Chartered in Lagos, served as a high-level platform bringing together key thought leaders from public and private sectors across the continent.
Notable participants included Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Aliko Dangote, Founder and President/CEO of the Dangote Group; and Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank Group.
Discussions focused on Africa’s resilience, economic growth opportunities, and the vital role of sustainable finance and infrastructure development.
