Agadir – Morocco’s Attijariwafa bank plans to expand its African operations through organic growth, potential acquisitions, and digital services as the continent’s banking sector undergoes changes following the withdrawal of several French banks.
Ismail Douiri, CEO of Attijariwafa bank, outlined the group’s strategy in an interview with Financial Afrik published on October 18, saying the bank remains confident in Africa’s long-term growth prospects.
After nearly two decades of expansion, the Moroccan banking group operates in 15 African countries through 12 banks, according to the interview. Douiri said these subsidiaries make significant contributions to the group’s consolidated balance sheet and net income.
The group sees opportunities in Africa’s expanding urban middle class, the integration of informal economic activity into the formal sector, and growing international trade and investment.
French banks’ withdrawal opens new opportunities
Douiri said the departure of several French banks from African markets has helped Attijariwafa bank attract new customers seeking financial institutions with broad correspondent networks and comprehensive banking services.
The group has built a regional presence that allows it to pursue growth through both acquisitions and the expansion of its existing operations, he said.
He acknowledged competition from other banks across the continent, saying Attijariwafa bank must continue improving its services to maintain its position.
Strengthening cooperation across subsidiaries
The bank also plans to build on cooperation between its specialized financial subsidiaries and its international operations.
These subsidiaries provide services including leasing, factoring, mortgage lending, consumer credit, long-term vehicle leasing, transfers, and payments. With the exception of Wafacash, they operate within Morocco’s legal and regulatory framework, according to Douiri.
The subsidiaries also partner with the group’s international banks to share expertise and extend services to customers across its markets.
Douiri said teams based in Casablanca, Abidjan, Cairo, Paris, and Dubai support major corporate clients across different countries, particularly in corporate and investment banking.
Digital banking becomes a key priority
Digital transformation remains another major focus for the group as it adapts to changing customer expectations.
Douiri said Attijariwafa bank launched its digital bank, Simple, in Morocco in May 2026. The service operates alongside the group’s traditional banking model while offering customers a different banking experience.
He added that the bank continues to transform both its physical branch network and digital services in response to changing customer behavior.
Douiri identified digitalization as a broad area that will absorb a significant share of the group’s transformation efforts.
