From Cape to Cairo: Celebrating our shared growth this Africa Day
On 25 May each year, Africa Day reminds us to celebrate our rich diversity and shared love for the place we call home. With over 54 000 employees across 21 African countries, Standard Bank Group is proudly driving the continent's vibrant future.
For over 160 years, we have grown with Africa. That growth allows us to help build resilient economies from the ground up. Our local economies thrive when people have access to opportunities and resources to succeed. In 2025, we supported over 802 220 small and medium enterprise (SME) clients across 16 countries. These businesses are engines of growth, directly creating job opportunities and stimulating local economies. We also provided financial literacy programmes to 402 030 individuals, ensuring they have the knowledge to participate in the formal economy. We invested over R266 million in various CSI programmes across Africa and financed R39.9 billion of renewable energy projects in 2025, to actively shape a more sustainable future.
Africa’s people are one of its greatest assets. We believe that investing in our people drives our continued success and the success of our clients. In 2025, we committed over R1 billion to employee development and training, including vital future-focused skills. This is how we play our part in ensuring African talent is nurtured and equipped to lead. We have been recognised by Forbes as Africa's top employer, and TIME magazine has named us one of the World's Best Companies. Additionally, Newsweek recognised us as one of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies for the third consecutive year in 2025. Brand Finance ranked us the most valuable banking brand in Africa and South Africa for the fifth consecutive year in 2026.
This Africa Day, let’s celebrate our shared commitment and ambitions for our continent’s future.
Happy Africa Day! Let’s keep growing Africa, together.