By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
BARCLAYS Africa group recorded a revenue growth of eight per cent to R72.4 billion with the Rest of Africa (ROA) including Zambia contributing 23 per cent.
The groups headline earnings increased by five per cent to R14.9 billion in 2016 compared with 2015 as efforts to contain costs and increase efficiencies in order to invest in delivering better services to customer’s yielded results.
Barclays Bank Zambia head-marketing and corporate relations Mato Shimabale said ROA contributed 23 per cent of the total group revenue saying that Zambia was one of top five market for the bank.
In response to a press query Mr Shimabale said Zambia remains a key contributor to the success of the Group.
Mr Shimabale said Zambia provides great opportunities for business prospects and Barclays continues to support key economic sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, public sector and manufacturing through our corporate, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) and retail businesses.
Recent financing arrangements include the 300 megawatts Maamba Thermal Power plant and Zambia Sugar expansion plan.
“We are the second biggest lender in the economy and continue to provide innovative banking solutions to our customers.
“We have been in Zambia for close to 100 years and this illustrates our commitment to Zambia and our ability to adapt to changing economic situations,” Mr Shimabale said.
He said the bank would continue investing in innovation banking solutions to expand financial inclusion.
Mr Shimabale said banking products such as mobile and online banking allows customers to access banking services from anywhere and at anytime.
Currently, Barclays is present in all 10 provinces with 51 branches, 135 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and over 2,773 active points of sale terminals.