GTR STRATEGY : Ecobank Group Goes on the Offensive by Selling Its Mozambique Subsidiary
La voix des entreprises 
(LVDE) – On August 5, 2025, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) announced the sale of its Mozambican subsidiary, Ecobank Mozambique SA, to FDH Bank Plc. This strategic decision is part of a broader realignment plan aimed at focusing Ecobank’s efforts on what it considers to be priority markets.
Africa’s banking landscape is rapidly evolving, and ETI remains a major player in this transformation. The sale of Ecobank Mozambique to FDH Bank Plc — a bank listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange — fits into Ecobank’s overarching “Growth, Transformation and Returns” (GTR) strategy. This plan is designed to optimize Ecobank’s presence in the countries where it operates.
According to a statement by FDH Bank Plc, it has reached an agreement to acquire 98.87% of Ecobank Mozambique SA. The remaining 1.13% is held by Fundo Para O Fomento De Habitação (FFH), a fund dedicated to housing development in Mozambique. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for FDH Bank as it seeks to expand its footprint in Southern Africa and diversify its revenue sources.
Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank, described the move as a “strategic decision” to maintain the group’s competitiveness across African markets. He emphasized that the divestment reflects Ecobank’s commitment to sustainable growth and financial integration across the continent. This proactive approach is meant to reposition the group to better address current economic challenges.
The acquisition gives FDH Bank access to the Mozambican market without the burden of building a new infrastructure from scratch. By integrating Ecobank Mozambique into its operations, FDH Bank aims to generate synergies in customer-focused products and innovation, while also boosting operational efficiency.
The deal has already received all necessary regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalized during the 2025 financial year, pending a few remaining conditions. The transaction value is estimated at around 0.7% of FDH Bank Plc’s market capitalization as of July 31, 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of this acquisition.
Ecobank Mozambique, which joined the group in 2014 after originally being founded in 2000 under the name Novo Banco, will continue to operate under the supervision of Mozambique’s Central Bank. This continuity is crucial for maintaining client and partner confidence despite the change in ownership.
Even after the sale is completed, Ecobank will maintain a presence in Mozambique through digital payment services and cross-border transfers, in collaboration with FDH Bank. This demonstrates Ecobank’s continued commitment to financial integration, even as it reduces its direct exposure in certain markets.
With this divestment, Ecobank will remain operational in 34 sub-Saharan African countries, continuing its mission to promote economic development across the continent. The move highlights the group’s ability to adapt its strategy to market dynamics, while reinforcing its role as a pan-African institution dedicated to economic and social progress.
This transition marks a significant step for Ecobank as it sharpens its focus on strategic markets, while allowing FDH Bank to grow its portfolio and reach new heights in the regional banking sector. In a constantly evolving world, this strategic move could reshape the banking landscape in Southern Africa.
Esther Grace
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