MCB’s expansion across the African continent is gaining momentum with the bank’s first permanent presence in West Africa, marked by the opening of its representative office in Nigeria on 2 May.
According to Abiodun Azeez, Head of the Lagos office, the bank’s arrival has been positively received by both the financial and business sectors in Nigeria. Speaking on a recent episode of the MCB Talk podcast to mark the office launch, Azeez noted that MCB is seen not as a competitor, but as a catalyst.
“Our access to liquidity, to the foreign exchange market, our competitive rates, and our ability to support local banks and their clients are key factors that set us apart,” he explained.
MCB, he continued, plays a highly constructive role in Nigeria by financing, among other things, local businesses seeking to acquire market shares made available through the withdrawal of international oil companies. The opening of a representative office, he said, affirms the bank’s long-term commitment to the region. “Even the regulator is pleased with our presence,” Azeez added.
MCB’s model for expansion in Africa — focused on niche markets and backed by its Investment Grade rating — has helped position the bank as both a strong African institution and a respected financial force. This approach reinforces MCB’s growing reputation beyond Mauritian borders, where it now generates a significant portion of its revenue.
That reputation extends to the Middle East, where, based on his previous experience at MCB’s Dubai office, Azeez shared: “MCB is viewed as the safest bank in Africa.”
