Rabat – Three Moroccan banking groups have secured places among Africa’s 10 largest banks by Tier 1 capital, according to the 2026 ranking published by African Business.
Attijariwafa Bank, Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP), and Bank of Africa represent Morocco in the continent’s top 10, with the three groups maintaining or improving their positions in the ranking.
Morocco has nine banks in the African top 100. Together, they hold $23.3 billion (MAD 216.7 billion) in Tier 1 capital, up from $20.3 billion (MAD 188.8 billion) a year earlier, reflecting an increase in the sector’s capital base.
Attijariwafa Bank leads the Moroccan institutions, retaining its place among Africa’s three largest banks with $7.68 billion (MAD 71.4 billion) in Tier 1 capital. The group operates in 27 countries, with its presence across Africa serving as a key part of its expansion strategy.
Banque Centrale Populaire ranks sixth on the continent. The group has established a presence in several West and Central African markets, where it operates across retail banking, corporate financing, and regional trade finance.
Bank of Africa recorded the greatest improvement among the three Moroccan groups, climbing two places to ninth position with $3.84 billion (MAD 35.7 billion) in Tier 1 capital. Its progress follows years of expansion in sub-Saharan African markets, where it has gradually strengthened its presence.
Morocco’s banking sector relies on major groups
The ranking points to the role played by Morocco’s largest banking groups in the country’s financial sector. While other countries have more institutions represented in the top 100, Morocco’s position is supported by several large groups with substantial capital bases and operations across multiple markets.
A stronger capital base can help banks finance infrastructure projects, support business expansion, and meet increasingly demanding regulatory requirements. It can also provide greater capacity to develop international subsidiaries and respond to growing financing needs across Africa.
The figures come as Moroccan banks continue to expand their activities beyond the domestic market, particularly in West and Central Africa.
The groups’ continental presence allows them to serve businesses operating across borders and support investment and trade between African markets. Their networks also provide opportunities to diversify revenue sources and accompany companies expanding into new countries.
However, Moroccan banks face competition from major financial institutions in South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria. These markets are home to large banking groups that continue to compete for a greater share of the continent’s financial services sector.
Maintaining their positions will depend in part on the Moroccan groups’ ability to strengthen their capital bases, improve the performance of their African subsidiaries, and advance their digital transformation efforts.
Their presence in the 2026 ranking highlights the position of Attijariwafa Bank, Banque Centrale Populaire, and Bank of Africa among the continent’s leading banking institutions.
