Portrait of a key figure in African finance. The CEO of Attijariwafa bank, Mohamed El Kettani, has been named “African Banker of the Year 2025” at the 5th edition of the Africa Financial Industry Summit. This distinction recognizes nearly two decades of leadership, during which he transformed his group into a major player in the banking sector across the continent, with a presence in 15 countries and an increasing role in financing African economies.
He was named “African Banker of the Year 2025” at the 5th edition of the Africa Financial Industry Summit, an award recognizing nearly two decades at the helm of Attijariwafa bank. Since taking office in 2007, Mohamed El Kettani has profoundly transformed Attijariwafa bank. Under his leadership, the group has become a major player in Africa’s financial sector, present in 15 countries and a network of more than 5,900 branches. This pan-African expansion supports the financing of local economies and intra-African trade.
“The African banking sector is facing a complex equation. It must actively support the continent’s transformation. Because infrastructure gaps need to be addressed, the Minister reminded us of the staggering figure of 1,200 billion US dollars by 2030 and that is just around the corner.”
MOHAMED KETTANI , President of Attijariwafa bank – Morocco
On the financial front, performance is following suit. In 2024, the group’s consolidated net income recorded a significant increase, reflecting the strength of the model in place. Beyond the figures, Mohamed El Kettani has also stood out for his commitment to sustainable finance. The bank notably issued a USD 500 million green bond to finance renewable energy projects, first at this scale on the continent.
“We need to manage to standardize and establish common standards by making the best use of APIs and communication protocols available today, tools that did not exist in 1973 when SWIFT was created.”
MOHAMED KETTANI , President of Attijariwafa bank – Morocco
His approach is based on an integrated model that combines traditional banks, fintechs, and regulators, with the aim of strengthening financial inclusion and supporting more equitable growth.
“To establish an efficient cross-border payment system between countries, in order to meet the needs of investors as well as economic operators on our continent, while also interacting with operators from other continents, we will need to put in place an integrated payment system.”
MOHAMED KETTANI , President of Attijariwafa bank – Morocco
Through strategic partnerships, particularly with African institutions and within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Moroccan executive promotes a clear vision: that of a more connected, resilient, and autonomous African financial system.
