Standard Bank Mozambique  

Standard Bank Mozambique: A Pillar of the Country's Financial Sector

Standard Bank, SARL Mozambique, commonly known as Standard Bank Mozambique, is one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the country. As a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, headquartered in South Africa, it has played a critical role in Mozambique's banking and economic landscape for over a century.

Overview and Strategic Importance

Founded in 1967 (with operational presence dating back to 1894), Standard Bank Mozambique provides a full range of retail, corporate, and investment banking services. Its operations support individuals, small and medium enterprises, and large corporate clients, particularly in sectors such as natural resources, infrastructure, and trade finance. The bank is recognized as systemically important by the Bank of Mozambique, alongside BCI and Millennium bim.

Ownership and Structure

• Major Shareholder: Stanbic Africa Holdings Limited – 98.15% (UK-based subsidiary of Standard Bank Group)

• Minority Shareholders: 1.85%

• Headquarters: Maputo, Mozambique

• Employees: Approximately 2,364 (2023)

The bank's strong ownership structure, backed by the Standard Bank Group, provides financial stability and regional expertise, enabling it to finance major projects and maintain leadership in Mozambique's banking sector.

Financial Performance

Profits:

• 2023: Record profit of 7.3 billion meticais ($116 million), a 7.8% increase from 2022

• 2024: Net profit declined 15% to 6.1 billion meticais ($96.8 million) due to weak consumer demand and limited investment activity

• H1 2025: Profit dropped 11% to 3.5 billion meticais ($55.5 million)

Assets and Liabilities:

• Total Assets: 183.3 billion meticais ($2.9 billion) by mid-2025

• Interbank Loans: 76.9 billion meticais ($1.2 billion), nearly doubling from year-end 2024

• Customer Loans: 32.5 billion meticais ($516 million)

• Total Liabilities: 148.8 billion meticais ($2.36 billion), including 126.9 billion meticais ($2.01 billion) in deposits

Equity and Return on Equity:

• Equity: 35.8 billion meticais ($568 million, 2023)

• ROE: Declined from 21.1% (2023) to 17.7% (2024)

Revenue:

• 2023: 19.1 billion meticais ($303 million), a 5% increase from 2022

Despite recent profit fluctuations, Standard Bank Mozambique maintains strong financial health and liquidity, positioning itself as a resilient player in the Mozambican banking sector.

Network and Operational Reach

• Branches: Around 44 branches across major towns and cities

• ATMs and POS Terminals: Numerous ATMs and digital payment facilities, enabling wide access to banking services

• Customer Base: Serves millions of individuals and businesses across Mozambique

• Services: Offers personal banking, business and corporate banking, trade finance, loans, deposits, digital banking, and investment solutions

The bank has been instrumental in pioneering modern banking services in Mozambique, including digital banking platforms, trade finance solutions, and corporate investment services.

Market Position and Recognition

• Rank: One of Mozambique's three largest banks, alongside BCI and Millennium bim

• Economic Contribution: A key financier of national economic development projects, including major LNG and infrastructure initiatives

• Research Leadership: Produces economic insights, such as the Mozambique Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), informing government and business decisions

Recent Developments

• Profit Trends: H1 2025 profit decline reflects ongoing economic pressures but demonstrates operational resilience

• Dividends: Proposed 3.68 billion meticais (€50.8 million) for 2024, representing a measured approach to shareholder returns

• Strategic Focus: Standard Bank Mozambique is emphasizing stronger economic activity, robust credit demand, and interest rate adjustments to support future growth

The bank continues to support Mozambique's private sector, providing essential financing and economic intelligence to drive sustainable development and growth.