Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest financial institution by assets, has made a bold move to acquire Bidvest Bank Holdings Ltd. in South Africa for approximately 2.8 billion rand ($159 million).

This acquisition reflects the bank’s strategy to deepen its footprint in Africa’s most advanced economy while pursuing a transformative five-year growth plan that aims to make it one of the continent’s top five banks by 2027.

The deal was announced by Access Bank’s Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, who highlighted the importance of South Africa in the bank’s overall growth trajectory.

“This acquisition supports our ambition to expand across Africa and solidify our presence in key markets, with South Africa being a top priority,” he said.

Bidvest Bank, a subsidiary of Bidvest Group Ltd., specializes in fleet management, leasing, and foreign exchange services. Access Bank not only gains a foothold in South Africa but also enhances its service capabilities in a region central to African trade and commerce by acquiring this established institution.

Access Bank’s Expanding Footprint Across Africa

The acquisition of Bidvest Bank complements Access Bank’s robust presence across 23 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Within Africa, the bank has established operations in key markets, including Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique. This extensive network positions Access Bank as one of the most geographically diversified financial institutions on the continent.

The bank’s foray into South Africa builds on a series of strategic moves aimed at fostering regional connectivity and financial inclusion. Its presence in East Africa, through operations in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, has been instrumental in driving digital banking and regional trade support. Similarly, in West Africa, Access Bank’s operations in Ghana and Sierra Leone serve as key nodes for trade finance.

Facilitating Cross-Border Payments

Access Bank’s growing African footprint is expected to facilitate seamless cross-border payments across the continent. With Africa’s growing emphasis on regional integration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the bank’s extensive network is expected to play a pivotal role in easing financial transactions between African countries.

Access Bank’s expansion is particularly significant in a continent where businesses and individuals often grapple with fragmented payment systems. Financial analysts believe the bank is well-positioned to address these challenges, making cross-border trade and remittances more accessible and cost-effective by leveraging its presence in multiple countries and its partnerships with key financial institutions.

Global Growth

Beyond Africa, Access Bank has extended its reach to other global markets. Recently, it launched operations in Malta, following approvals from the European Central Bank and the Malta Financial Services Authority. This complements its established presence in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and other key financial hubs, further boosting its ability to support African businesses with international operations.

The sale of Bidvest Bank aligns with the Bidvest Group’s strategic decision to focus on its core businesses in hygiene, facilities management, and product distribution. Bidvest has also announced plans to sell other financial service assets, including FinGlobal to Momentum Group Ltd., and is nearing an agreement for the sale of Bidvest Life to a life insurer.

Access Bank’s acquisition of Bidvest Bank is a significant milestone in its mission to rank among Africa’s leading financial institutions. Its presence in South Africa, one of the continent’s largest and most dynamic economies, is expected to enhance its corporate and retail banking capabilities.

Moreover, the bank’s growing African footprint and focus on cross-border payment solutions align with broader efforts to integrate African economies. With its ambition to double its share of assets outside Nigeria and rank among Africa’s top five banks by 2027, strategic acquisitions, such as Bidvest Bank, and its focus on regional connectivity position, have been lauded by industry experts.