Strategic Cooperation to Support African Trade and Business Growth
OtroVato, a subsidiary of Orascom Investment Holding, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Commercial International Bank (CIB), the largest private-sector bank in Egypt, to launch a collaborative framework aimed at supporting exporters, buyers, suppliers, and distributors through integrated trade and banking solutions, with a clear focus on African markets.
The agreement reflects a shared vision between both parties to promote the growth of intra-African trade and enable businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—to access structured financial solutions and advanced banking services that contribute to sustainable economic growth and support regional expansion opportunities.
Integrated Trade Finance and Banking Solutions
The MoU aims to support companies operating across various sectors by providing a comprehensive set of trade and financial solutions, including:
- Trade finance services
- Advanced payment solutions
- Cross-border banking services
These solutions are expected to help businesses expand their operational reach and enhance the efficiency of their commercial activities, while also supporting the development of regional supply chains and strengthening economic integration among African markets.
OtroVato: A Digital Platform for B2B Trade Across Africa
OtroVato operates as a B2B trade enablement platform and is part of Orascom Investment Holding. The platform connects buyers, suppliers, and manufacturers through an integrated digital ecosystem that combines sourcing solutions, logistics services, and market access tools.
The company aims to simplify cross-border trade across the African continent and accelerate the movement of goods between African markets by providing efficient supply chain solutions and enhancing product readiness.
Through this approach, OtroVato enables companies to expand into new markets efficiently while adhering to sustainability standards, thereby supporting the growth of intra-African trade and strengthening regional economic integration.
CIB to Act as Preferred Banking Partner
Under the terms of the MoU, Commercial International Bank (CIB) will serve as the preferred banking partner for OtroVato’s network of suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers. The bank will provide a comprehensive suite of financial solutions designed to support both domestic and cross-border trade activities.
CIB will leverage its extensive banking expertise and regional network, including its presence in Kenya, which enhances its ability to support commercial operations throughout Africa.
This partnership reflects the bank’s continued commitment to supporting regional trade growth and developing innovative banking solutions that address corporate needs and facilitate expansion into diverse markets.
CIB: Expanding Financial Services to Support African Markets
Commenting on the partnership, Soha Abu Zekry, Head of Institutional Relations and Direct Investment at Commercial International Bank, stated: “This partnership reflects CIB’s direction toward expanding its trade-support services across the region and delivering integrated banking solutions that respond to the needs of companies operating in African markets. At CIB, we are committed to developing a comprehensive ecosystem of banking and trade services that enables our clients to manage their commercial operations more efficiently, while offering flexible financing solutions and advanced banking services to support their business growth.”
She added that Kenya represents one of the most promising markets in Africa, offering significant opportunities for growth and expansion in trade and investment.
She also emphasized that CIB is keen to strengthen its regional presence and further develop cross-border banking services in order to support trade flows among African countries and meet the growing needs of its clients.
OtroVato: Bridging the Gap Between Trade and Finance
For his part, Haitham Salama, CEO of OtroVato, stated:“This partnership marks an important strategic milestone in OtroVato’s journey to simplify and scale cross-border trade across Africa. By combining the financial and banking expertise of CIB with the advanced digital infrastructure offered by OtroVato, we are building a more efficient and inclusive ecosystem that empowers exporters, supports the growth of SMEs, and unlocks new investment and trade opportunities across the continent.”
He added that OtroVato’s role goes beyond facilitating trade operations, as the company is working to establish a fully integrated model for structured and sustainable trade flows by connecting buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors through a comprehensive platform that covers sourcing, logistics, market access, and financial enablement.
Salama emphasized that access to structured financial solutions represents one of the key drivers for trade expansion across Africa. Through this collaboration, the two partners aim to bridge the gap between trade and finance, reduce operational challenges, and enable companies to expand beyond their domestic markets with greater speed, efficiency, and confidence.
He concluded by noting that the partnership reinforces OtroVato’s vision of positioning the company as a key gateway for intra-African trade and a major contributor to the development of regional value chains. By combining digital innovation with strong banking capabilities, the company moves closer to achieving its goal of building a seamless and interconnected African trade network that supports economic integration and long-term sustainable growth across the continent.
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