Absa CEO Seeking Deals as He Eyes Bigger Footprint in Africa

Kenny Fihla, CEO of Absa Group Ltd., at the Bloomberg Africa Business Summit.Photographer: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg

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By Adelaide Changole and Jacqueline Simmons

November 18, 2025 at 11:06 AM UTC

Absa Group Ltd. is on the lookout for deals outside South Africa as part of a new strategy to build its regional footprint and boost the bank’s competitiveness on the continent.

The Johannesburg-based lender, which has a presence in 12 African countries, last month concluded a deal to acquire Standard Chartered Plc’s wealth and retail banking unit in Uganda as it seeks to deepen its presence in key markets, and broaden its range of services.