Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB), the largest private-sector bank in Egypt, continues to play a leading role in advancing banking capabilities across the African continent, marking the graduation of the third cohort of the East Africa Banking Credit Programme. The milestone reflects CIB's ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the exchange of banking expertise between Egypt and Kenya. The programme is being implemented as part of a strategic partnership between Commercial International Bank and the Kenya Bankers Association, established under a memorandum of understanding signed at the beginning of 2025. The agreement aims to develop Kenyan youth and empower the next generation of financial professionals, contributing to the creation of highly skilled banking cadres capable of shaping the future of Africa's financial sector. Spanning six consecutive months, the third edition of the programme delivered intensive, specialized training covering core banking principles, with a strong focus on credit fundamentals and technology-driven banking solutions. Participants also received hands-on training in credit analysis, risk assessment, and sound lending decision-making, equipping them with practical skills aligned with international banking standards. A total of 22 young professionals from Kenya successfully completed all stages of the programme, qualifying them to make a meaningful contribution to the banking and financial services market in East Africa. The graduates are expected to play an active role in strengthening institutional capabilities and supporting sustainable growth within the sector. The initiative reflects CIB's expanding footprint and strategic presence in Kenya since its entry into the market in 2020. It also aligns with the broader efforts of the Egyptian State, led by the Central Bank of Egypt, to promote African banking integration, enhance financial sector cooperation, and invest in human capital development through the transfer of expertise and knowledge sharing. The programme concluded with an official graduation ceremony held in Nairobi, attended by representatives from CIB's executive management in both Egypt and Kenya, alongside senior officials from the Kenya Bankers Association, representatives of the Central Bank of Kenya, and members of the Egyptian Embassy in Nairobi. The event highlighted the strength of the partnership and its role in opening new avenues for professional development and banking sector growth across the continent. Through initiatives such as the East Africa Banking Credit Programme, Commercial International Bank continues to invest in African talent, support capacity building, and empower young professionals to build promising careers grounded in advanced banking knowledge, technical expertise, and a shared vision for a more integrated and resilient African financial sector.
