Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, laid out ‌an ambitious three-year growth plan on Thursday, betting on a surge in continental trade, a vast energy and infrastructure financing gap, and a rapid shift to digital banking.

Speaking at the group’s Capital Markets Day, Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala told investors the South Africa-based lender, present in 21 countries, was targeting an annual 8% to 12% growth in headline earnings per share and a return on equity of between 18% and 22% in 2026-2028.

■ Standard Bank targets 8%-12% earnings growth by 2028

■ Focus on energy, infrastructure, and digital banking for expansion

■ Incremental capital directed towards East and West Africa, Egypt

■ Africa regions expected to contribute 45% of earnings by 2028

Source: Reuters