Aslam Taher, the Head of Wholesale Banking; Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) at Absa Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, stands out as a seasoned banker with over two decades experience in the industry. With a robust background in Corporate & Investment Banking, as well as Private Banking and Wealth Management, Aslam Taher has held several senior positions in both local and international financial institutions. His work spans across large domestic and international corporates, multinationals, and financial institutions, reflecting his expertise in strategic planning, business development, and risk management. Aslam Taher is a dynamic leader and communicator, known for successfully managing diverse teams and fostering robust client relationships across various cultures and markets. His experience in overseeing extensive Corporate and Investment Banking portfolios, balancing risk with growth, has solidified his reputation as a strategic thinker with a knack for managing complex financial landscapes.
Under Aslam Taher’s leadership, Absa CIB brings to life its brand promise, “Invested in Your Story.” This ethos goes beyond traditional banking, focusing on understanding each client’s unique journey and co-creating customised solutions to empower their success. In this interview, Aslam Taher shares his insights with Week-End on the evolving role of banking in Mauritius and how Absa CIB's client-centric approach aligns with the challenges and opportunities in today’s market.
Aslam Taher, Head of Wholesale Banking; Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) at Absa Bank (Mauritius) Ltd:
“Absa Mauritius CIB stands out as the only regional bank in Mauritius with a global footprint”
- “We are invested in your story» is based on the assumption that today’s clients are not just looking for transactional services; they want a bank that genuinely understands their personal and business aspirations.”
- “Absa CIB is strategically positioned as a vital connector between Mauritius, Africa, and Asia, particularly as the corridor between these regions continues to evolve”
We are committed to working with our clients and partners to promote a more sustainable economy. We provide valuable insights and sustainable financing solutions to support our clients’ transition to a low carbon economy. - Absa CIB is actively leveraging innovation and digital solutions to enhance client services and address their unique challenges in today's fast-paced technological landscape.
Q: Mr Taher, what inspired the shift in Absa CIB’s brand ethos to “Invested in Your Story,” and how does this reflect the evolving needs of your clients?
The shift to “Invested in Your Story” was inspired by our desire to move beyond traditional banking and become true partners in our clients’ journeys. Today’s clients are not just looking for transactional services; they want a bank that genuinely understands their personal and business aspirations. This brand ethos reflects our commitment to a human-centered approach—one that values empathy, deeper connections, and tailored solutions that align with clients' unique paths. By focusing on “Invested in Your Story,” we emphasise that our clients’ stories and goals matter to us. We strive to demonstrate, in every interaction, that we are committed to walking alongside them and helping them realise their ambitions. This shift represents our renewed dedication to creating meaningful, lasting relationships that make an impact, not only on clients' businesses but also on the wider community. Furthermore, we believe that supporting the stories of our people is crucial to fulfilling this commitment. We invest in building a dynamic, forward-thinking organisational culture that empowers our colleagues to innovate and grow. Through proactive retention strategies, we aim to retain top talent and expertise, creating an environment where our people can thrive—an essential part of delivering on our brand promise.
Q: Can you share some recent key achievements of Absa Mauritius CIB that highlight your expertise and commitment to client success?
Absa Mauritius stands out as the only regional bank in Mauritius with a global footprint, offering a full range of services across Retail Banking, Business Banking, Wealth, and Corporate & Investment Banking. Leveraging our expertise across major sectors, including Healthcare, Hospitality, Commercial Property Finance, Technology, Media and Communications (TMT) and Oil & Gas (Energy), we provide tailored solutions that meet diverse client needs.
In Corporate Banking, we support both onshore and offshore clients, including those in Global Business and International Banking. Our Global Markets division offers comprehensive financial solutions, such as Forex and Investment Solutions, Hedging solutions, Government Instruments, and Commodity Derivatives, to manage client risks and optimise returns.
Key recent achievements include:
Awards: We were honored as the Investment Bank of the Year 2024 by Global Finance and Best Trade Finance Bank -by Asian Banker, reflecting our excellence in delivering investment banking and trade finance services. We were also awarded Best Treasury and Cash Management Bank by Global Finance in recent years.
As a pioneer in digitalising its services, Absa Mauritius has on many occasions been recognised internationally for its achievements.
Significant Transactions: Absa served as the sole Corporate Finance Advisor in raising MUR 3bn for a real estate client, one of Mauritius' largest local currency capital raises. We also acted as Lead Transaction Advisor for Emtel’s IPO on the SEM, a landmark transaction fully subscribed by institutional and retail investors.
These accomplishments underscore our commitment to helping clients achieve their growth ambitions while contributing to Mauritius’ financial market development.
Q: In what ways does the new positioning differentiate Absa CIB from its competitors, particularly in the Pan-African and international markets?
Absa CIB’s “Invested in Your Story” positioning sets us apart by focusing on personalised, long-term client partnerships rather than just transactional banking. We combine deep local expertise with global insights to provide tailored solutions that support clients’ unique growth journeys.
This human-centered approach, enhanced by seamless digital experiences, allows us to understand and respond to our clients' individual aspirations, creating relationships rooted in empathy and mutual growth.
Our strong Pan-African presence, coupled with a global reach through offices in key cities like London, New York, and Beijing, gives us a unique ability to navigate both local and international markets. We connect clients with pan-African markets and global investors, enabling seamless access to international capital and providing on-the-ground market insights. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability and Africa's development means we don’t just focus on financial outcomes; we partner with clients who seek to make a positive societal and economic impact across the Continent.
This distinct value proposition makes Absa CIB the ideal partner for clients who value a bank that is invested in both their business ambitions and their broader impact goals.
Q: How does Absa CIB ensure that its service approach goes beyond transactional relationships to form deeper strategic partnerships with clients?
At Absa CIB, we are dedicated to forming partnerships that transcend traditional banking. By deeply understand clients' long-term goals, we proactively provide tailored solutions that evolve with their needs, ensuring our support extends beyond immediate requirements. Our commitment to empathy, trust, and mutual success allows us to walk alongside clients through every phase of their journey.
To enhance these relationships, we are investing in key initiatives such as Digital Transformation, Customer Experience Transformation, and People and Culture Transformation. Our "Customer Obsession" program, reinforced through our CX Academy, fosters a culture of excellence in customer service, empowering our teams to exceed client expectations consistently. By blending innovative digital solutions with a human touch, we create seamless, value-driven experiences that establish Absa CIB as a trusted, long-term partner for our clients’ growth.
Q: Could you elaborate on the role of empathy in your client interactions and how this is embedded into Absa CIB’s services?
Empathy is at the core of Absa CIB's approach to client relationships, enabling us to truly understand and address each client’s unique challenges and aspirations. By actively listening and tailoring solutions to their specific needs, we provide meaningful, client-centered support, especially during challenging times. This empathetic approach is embedded in our culture, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful and personalised. For instance, we leverage data-driven insights to design solutions that reflect individual client variables, allowing us to address their goals in a precise and impactful way.
Q: Sustainable financing is a growing focus for many businesses. How is Absa CIB aligning its offerings to support clients seeking environmentally friendly financing solutions, and what initiatives are in place to promote sustainability?
Absa CIB is committed to supporting clients in their sustainability journeys through dedicated initiatives and specialised offerings in sustainable finance. We have a Sustainable Finance team in Mauritius working closely with our Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) clients to promote sustainable development finance locally and across Africa. To guide our efforts, we follow a sustainable finance framework that aligns with international standards, such as those set by the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) and the Loan Market Association (LMA).
Our approach is underpinned by strong partnerships with development banks, sector specialists, and our extensive network, helping clients navigate their climate transition. Absa Group has also pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2050, which reinforces our commitment to assisting clients in their low-carbon transitions. This aligns with Mauritius’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of the Paris Agreement.
We focus heavily on the energy sector, supporting projects that help Mauritius meet its goal of 60% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Additionally, we offer financing solutions for certified green buildings and electric mobility projects, positioning Absa Mauritius as a leading player in advancing sustainable development in key sectors.
Q: Absa CIB is positioned as a key player in connecting Mauritius, Africa, and Asia. How is this corridor evolving, and what opportunities does it present for your clients?
Absa CIB is strategically positioned as a vital connector between Mauritius, Africa, and Asia, particularly as the corridor between these regions continues to evolve. One significant aspect of this development is the growing importance of the China market for Absa Mauritius. The country is increasingly being recognised as a gateway for Chinese investments into Africa. The Absa Group has opened a representative office in Beijing and our Absa Mauritius CIB team works very closely with our Beijing office in promoting the use of the Mauritius jurisdiction as a conduit for investment on the African continent. Mauritius boasts several unique advantages that make it appealing for Chinese investors. Its strategic location, favorable trade agreements, and supportive regulatory environment create numerous opportunities not only within Africa but also on the island itself. Additionally, the Mauritian government is actively promoting the country as an investment hub for Chinese firms seeking to expand their presence in the African market.
A key element of this strategy is the Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which enhances Mauritius's role as a primary conduit for Chinese investments into Africa by facilitating duty-free access for a broad range of goods. This agreement positions Mauritius as an attractive base for Chinese companies looking to penetrate African markets, creating significant opportunities for our clients.
Q: In an era of rapid technological advancement, how is Absa CIB leveraging innovation and digital solutions to enhance client services and address their unique challenges?
The building of a digitally-powered bank is the cornerstone of our strategy, guiding us to enhance client services and address their unique challenges in today's fast-paced technological landscape. By utilising digital platforms and data-driven insights, we provide seamless and personalised services tailored to our clients' needs.
For instance, our Absa Access Online (AAO) platform offers a user-friendly with enhanced security (through multi-factor authentication) platform that offers clients a centralised way to manage their finances digitally. With this platform, Corporates can handle various transactions like payments, collections, cash management and foreign exchange. AAO is designed for accessibility, allowing Absa Group clients to manage multiple accounts across different regions and currencies in real time, from one interface. In addition, our Trade Management Online (TMO) platform streamlines trade finance for corporate clients, allowing them to manage the entire lifecycle of trade finance products such as import/export letters of credit and bank guarantees. With integrated access, document management, and transaction tracking capabilities, TMO improves visibility and control while enhancing security through robust authentication measures. This comprehensive platform is vital for businesses engaged in international trade, enabling them to save time and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
By integrating solutions like AAO and TMO, Absa CIB ensures clients have access to efficient, secure, and future-ready options that enhance service delivery and empower them to navigate the increasingly complex financial landscape confidently.
Moreover, as the only corporate bank in Mauritius offering a fully online onboarding digital channel for both onshore and offshore clients, we streamline the account setup process, minimizing time and paperwork. This reflects our dedication to providing exceptional customer service in today’s digital environment.
Q; How is the CIB segment contributing to Absa Mauritius growth ambitions, and how does this align with the broader growth objectives of the Absa Group?
The CIB segment is essential to Absa Mauritius' growth ambitions, aligning closely with the broader objectives of the Absa Group by leveraging both onshore and offshore operations. It plays a vital role in supporting the Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) and delivering comprehensive services to Global Business Companies.
Additionally, the CIB segment is instrumental in assisting clients looking to expand into Africa, where Absa possesses deep market knowledge and an established on-the-ground presence. In many markets, we have been present for over 100 years. This unique positioning allows us to provide valuable insights and tailored solutions to help clients navigate the complexities of the African market.
Mauritius serves as a key jurisdiction for facilitating investment flows, particularly for African clients and investors aiming to enter the continent. A significant advantage is the network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) that Mauritius has established with various African countries, making it an effective gateway for structuring investments. For many clients, Mauritius acts not only as a strategic location for investment but also as a regional treasury and headquarters, enabling better coordination of their operations and enhancing competitiveness.
Furthermore, many clients leverage Mauritius as a strategic procurement hub due to its advantageous position as a gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. Our proximity to Africa, combined with extensive expertise in trade and supply chain finance, allows us to offer customised solutions that streamline procurement processes for businesses operating across the continent. Our Trade Management Online (TMO) platform, referred to earlier, is crucial in this regard, providing a fully digital solution that simplifies trade transactions and enables clients to centralise their procurement operations in Mauritius.
By capitalising on these strengths, the CIB segment significantly contributes to the growth of Absa Mauritius and supports the Group’s pan-African ambitions.
Q: Mr. Taher, please share your concluding thoughts on the role of Absa Mauritius CIB.
In conclusion, Absa Mauritius CIB plays an essential role in linking Africa and the world through the Mauritius IFC. Our deep market knowledge combined with a client-focused approach, Absa CIB empowers clients[A(5] to confidently navigate opportunities in an evolving global landscape. With tailored solutions and digital capabilities, we remain dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and resilience for our clients, delivering on Absa's brand promise—Invested in Your Story—and supporting their ambitions for a sustainable, inclusive future.
