Africa’s economic growth has slowed markedly over the last 10 years. The solutions are many, but ultimately African countries need to move further up the value chain and diversify into new products. This means more trade - much more.

It is often said that African countries trade more with countries outside the continent than amongst themselves, in part as a legacy of the old colonial development model. Bolstering intra-Africa trade is not only welcome but also a key answer to sluggish economic growth. Progress through tools such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is happening, but not as fast as it could.

A focus on supporting small and medium enterprises, a penchant for innovation, international standards and an emphasis on sustainable financing have put Golomt Bank in prime position in Mongolia’s banking industry.

Despite the challenging macro environment, corporate confidence is rising as UK and European economies emerge from recession, emboldening companies’ drive for expansion

Multiple forces are driving a profound transformation in global trade and supply chains. As a bank operating at the core of these global networks, HSBC highlights five of the forces that are having some of the greatest impact on the future of trade

Corporate treasuries are undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the digitization of commerce, shifts in global supply chains, and the rise of advanced technologies. As businesses face these changes, HSBC is stepping in to provide critical support. From helping companies streamline operations to enabling real-time decision-making, HSBC is at the forefront of this transformation

The direct-to-consumer or D2C e-commerce model continues to evolve across Asia and Latin America. Citi experts consider the factors behind this growth, the sectors that could benefit, and how the model could develop in the future.

The subscription services e-commerce model is a good example of taking an established, well-understood payment concept and adapting it to the needs of modern consumers.

In South Africa, a new generation of digital banks and fintechs are offering credit and convenience to even the smallest SMEs. This provision of financing to the full spectrum of small and medium sized businesses could provide a path for other players to follow.

Extending banking services to African SMEs is vital to ensure economic and social progress, requiring both a regulatory effort from above and private sector problem-solving from below. Many of the continent’s most dynamic markets are now showing signs of progress.

Mashreq Al Islami continues to demonstrate its digital leadership in Islamic banking through the breadth and quality of the services and products it provides. It is Euromoney’s best Islamic digital bank this year.

Banks across the Middle East have placed sustainability at the heart of their operations and central in the financing they provide to clients. For Mashreq, this commitment reflects what it sees as a “social obligation” to the markets where it operates.

Issuance of sustainable finance across Africa has risen rapidly in recent years. Yet activity is still only a fraction of what it could be. Can the market overcome its challenges and reach its potential?

Banks are investing heavily in technologies to improve the efficiency of their operations from the back end to the front. Mashreq is focusing as much investment on enhancing the banking experience as it is on enhancing client experience.

Amid a turbulent and increasingly digital world, the need for banks to be operationally resilient has never been greater. Mashreq has been focused on building this quality over the past few years to support its growth and development.

One year in, and Lloyds Bank’s institutional strategy is building momentum – deepening client relationships through a more holistic, joined-up approach across the wider group.

Mashreq Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking business has been growing from strength to strength in recent years. Group Head of CIB, Joel D Van Dusen, talks to Euromoney about what differentiates the business, its growth strategy, and its positioning in ESG and sustainable finance.

The Egyptian banking sector has needed to demonstrate resilience amid the country’s economic volatility. CIB has showed this and delivered growth, says Omar EL-Husseiny, Head of Treasury Group.