GDS Africa Competitors

The African Development Bank Group’s mission is to help reduce poverty, improve living conditions for Africans and mobilize resources for the continent’s economic and social development. With this objective in mind, the institution aims at assisting African countries – individually and collectively - in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and social progress. Combating poverty is at the heart of the continent’s efforts to attain sustainable economic growth. To this end, the Bank seeks to stimulate and mobilize internal and external resources to promote investments as well as provide its regional member countries with technical and financial assistance.

Banque Misr (BM) was established in 1920 by the pioneer economist and financial expert Mohamed Talaat Harb Pasha, who spearheaded the concept of investing in national savings and directing them toward economic and social development. Thus, Banque Misr was established as the first wholly Egyptian-owned bank. Banque Misr has funded many businesses spanning across multiple domestic sectors, such as: textiles, insurance, transportation, aviation, entertainment, and filmmaking. Currently, BM owns shares in 157 companies across different fields, ranging from finance, tourism, housing, agriculture and food, and communication and information technology. A true pioneer in the region, Banque Misr became the first bank in Egypt and North Africa to comply with PCI data security standards, upon obtaining the latest version of the global Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS 3.2.1) certification. Utilizing the latest technology in the banking sector, Banque Misr is constantly looking to expand customer access to banking services. Today, Banque Misr is proud to offer one of Egypt’s largest ATM networks, located across all areas of Egypt. Banque Misr’s role is visible in all economic fields due to its geographic outreach. The bank has more than 20,000 employees, serving a large base of more than 13 million clients in Egypt, with a total paid-up capital amounting to EGP 15 billion. The bank has more than 800 electronically integrated local branches located nationwide to provide the best and most accessible services to customers. Banque Misr also values its regional and international presence, which includes its five branches in the United Arab Emirates and one in France. In addition, the bank’s international presence includes subsidiaries in Lebanon and Germany, as well as representative offices in China, Russia, South Korea, and Italy and a global network of correspondents.

Safaricom is the leading provider of converged communication solutions in Kenya. In addition to providing a broad range of first-class products and services for Telephony, Broadband Internet and Financial services, Safaricom seeks to uplift the welfare of Kenyans through value-added services and support for community projects. With over 29 Million subscribers and an estimated market share of 67%, the Company has the widest modern mobile network coverage in Kenya and prides in its experienced shareholders, attractive tariffs, a nationwide network of effective dealers, high caliber staff and management enabling it to maintain its position as the region’s mobile market leader. M-PESA has over 23 million subscribers, supported by a nationwide agent network of over 156,000 outlets. M-PESA is the world's most developed biggest mobile payment system. Facts about Safaricom • Employs over 5,500 staff directly and over 500,000 indirectly • Has approximately 4,945 network sites across the country • 50% of employees and 32% of senior management working at Safaricom are women. • Has the largest call center in Sub-Saharan Africa Our people are our most valuable asset and are key to the achievement of our vision of transforming lives. This is reflected in our commitment to creating a working environment that supports our staff. We offer employees a wellness programme, crèche facilities, access to subsidized gym facilities, leisure amenities, regular social events, competitive salaries and career opportunities. We give back to the society through the Safaricom Foundation. Since inception, the foundation has disbursed 2 billion shillings in different initiatives that provide sustainable community-based solutions, contributing towards Kenya’s development agenda, and the Millennium Development Goals. Safaricom is a key member and supporter of the B Team and the B Team – Africa, alliances of business leaders who are committed to responsible and sustainable business practices.