As Mauritius strengthens its role as a regional hub for trade and investment, corporate banking has become a critical enabler of business growth and international expansion. Aslam Taher, Head of Wholesale Banking; Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), highlights the bank’s focus on providing innovative corporate banking solutions, from trade finance to risk management, that empower businesses to navigate complex markets and seize opportunities across Africa and beyond.
Q1: What are, in your opinion, the main disruptive factors transforming corporate banking, and what strategies can banks adopt to proactively adapt and maintain their competitiveness?
In the fast-changing financial landscape, banks navigate a complex environment shaped by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and escalating risks such as fraud and cybersecurity threats. These challenges, along with evolving client needs and stricter regulations, are transforming the corporate banking sector.
Over and above managing increasingly complex risks, banks must integrate innovation, sustainability, and strategic global connections into their core operations to enhance resilience and drive long-term value creation.
As clients become more sophisticated, their banking needs are evolving beyond traditional financial services. Corporate banks must continuously innovate, developing tailored products and advisory solutions that align with complex client needs.
However, clients are also seeking more than just financial services, the demand for a human-centered approach is reshaping corporate banking. Businesses expect deeper relationships, personalized solutions, and a bank that truly understands their journey. This shift moves beyond transactional interactions. “Invested in Your Story” reflects this transformation, emphasising a commitment to clients’ unique growth paths and positioning the bank as a true partner in their long-term success.
Digital transformation is at the forefront, reshaping client expectations with demands for seamless, real-time, and above all ensuring provision for secure banking solutions. Absa Mauritius has been a leader in this space, as evidenced by our recognition as the Best Digital Bank—Mauritius 2024 by Global Business Outlook.
Sustainability and ESG considerations are also reshaping corporate banking. Clients are increasingly seeking sustainable financing solutions to align with global climate goals. Absa Mauritius has responded by launching initiatives like the Sustainable Trade Finance Facility, which supports businesses in integrating environmentally responsible practices into their operations.
Talent retention is also becoming a critical challenge in corporate banking, a highly specialised field that requires deep expertise. With the rise of fintech, evolving client expectations, and increasing regulatory complexity, banks must attract and retain top talent to stay competitive. In Mauritius, this challenge requires innovative solutions, as skilled professionals seek opportunities abroad.
To address this, banks must invest in upskilling, flexible work models, and a culture of innovation to create an environment where top talent thrives and contributes to long-term industry growth. Absa Mauritius has recently been certified as a Top Employer 2025 for both Mauritius and Africa by the Top Employers Institute (TEI), marking our debut on this prestigious list. This achievement underscores our commitment to building a future-fit, diverse, and empowered workforce, reinforcing Absa’s purpose of Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together.
Additionally, AI is transforming corporate banking by automating back-office operations, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs. From AI-driven data processing and automated compliance checks to real-time fraud detection and intelligent workflow management, banks can streamline operations and free up resources for higher-value tasks. By leveraging AI, corporate banks can enhance accuracy, speed, and scalability, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making and client engagement.
In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses are expanding beyond borders, seeking new markets, and diversifying their supply chains. This trend is fueled by the rise of digital platforms, trade liberalisation, and the growing importance of regional economic blocs. Absa Mauritius leverages its global footprint and pan-African network to facilitate seamless international transactions, offering clients access to global markets, investors, and trade corridors.
To adapt to these disruptive factors, banks must invest in digital innovation, embed ESG into their core offerings, expand their global reach, and enhance client-centricity. At Absa Mauritius, we have embraced these key drivers, ensuring that we remain competitive while investing in the stories of our clients.
Q2: In island economies like Mauritius, the internationalization of businesses is a key driver of growth. What role does Corporate Banking play in facilitating international transactions, and how does it support Mauritian companies in navigating the complexities of foreign markets? Specifically, how does it support companies investing in the African continent?
Absa Mauritius leverages its regional expertise and extensive African network, built on over a century of presence across multiple markets. With a deep understanding of the continent, we support local clients in expanding beyond Mauritius, providing hands-on guidance as they enter new markets. As part of the Absa Group franchise, our clients also gain access to specialist expertise, market insights, and tailored solutions, ensuring they navigate Africa’s dynamic business landscape with confidence and success.
As Mauritius strengthens its position as a regional hub, corporate banks play a key role in supporting businesses expanding into Africa.
This includes:
● Structured Trade & Export Finance – Facilitating entry into African markets through customized financing for supply chains and trade deals.
● Investment Banking & M&A Advisory – Assisting companies in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships with African firms.
● Risk Management – Offering solutions to mitigate currency volatility and geopolitical risks.
● On-the-Ground Presence & Sector Expertise – Leveraging deep local market knowledge, strategic partnerships, and a strong banking network across Africa.
● Access to Capital Markets – Essential for international expansion, capital market financing enables businesses to scale efficiently. Absa’s Investment Banking Division (IBD) has already played a key role in raising financing on the Mauritian market, providing companies with the capital needed to fund their growth and African ventures.
1. The IPO of a major player in the TMT sector on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius in 2024, demonstrates our dedication to driving meaningful collaboration. As Lead Transaction Advisor, we successfully navigated the complexities of the listing, reinforcing our position as a trusted capital markets partner.
2. Absa Mauritius had the privilege of acting as the sole Corporate Finance Advisor to a client in the real estate sector, successfully assisting them in raising over MUR 3bn through their notes issuance in the local capital markets. This is one of the largest local currency capitals raises ever in Mauritius, marking a significant milestone, particularly in the real estate sector.
These initiatives not only fuel the ambitions of local enterprises but also contribute to the broader development of Mauritius’s financial markets.
Absa Mauritius plays a key role in strengthening the Africa-Asia corridor, facilitating trade and investment flows between Mauritius, China, India, and the broader African continent. Leveraging our regional expertise and strategic connections, we support businesses in navigating cross-border opportunities and expanding their presence in these high-growth markets. With access to Absa Group’s network, including our Beijing office, we help clients tap into Asia’s economic potential while positioning Mauritius as a gateway for investments into Africa.
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