Kinshasa, July 01, 2021
RAWBANK today publishes its 2020 Annual Report with improved results, despite an unfavorable and unprecedented context, due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Strengthening of governance, development of digital tools, opening of new branches, reinforced strategic priority on compliance issues, capital increases, new international financing, autonomy for regional departments, all during fiscal year 2020. Despite a contraction of the national economy, RAWBANK has been able to adapt to the market's demands and remain on a growth trajectory.
Rawbank's total balance sheet reached $2.8 billion (5.7 billion Congolese francs), an increase of 36% compared to 2019, thereby signaling a new stage of development. For the past four years, Rawbank's balance sheet has grown by an average of 20% each year. The Covid-19 pandemic did not alter this dynamic, notably with a significant increase in deposits, reflecting customer confidence in the Bank. Rawbank saw its deposits increase by 48% to $2.2 billion. This is the largest one-year increase in deposits ever recorded in the domestic market.
Throughout the year, Rawbank proved to be resilient and responsive to customer expectations, thanks to the mobilization of its teams and management. The governance bodies were strengthened with the appointment of Mustafa Rawji as Chief Executive Officer and the arrival of new and renowned independent directors. Together, they have given a new impetus to the company over the past year: the working methods of the employees have been reorganized in order to remain as close as possible to the clients. Present in 47 cities with more than 100 branches, including MIKUBA, the new branch in Kolwezi, Rawbank has thus chosen to build itself around a regionalized model ensuring more autonomy of management and decision making to the five regional departments.
Rawbank has also proposed new products and developed innovative digital solutions, thus enabling it to achieve the ambition expressed at the creation of the institution: to be closer to customers and prepare the bank of tomorrow. In order to offer a more interactive customer experience, aiming to be more dynamic and accessible to all, Rawbank has upgraded RawbankOnline, deployed the Swift GPI technology for better monitoring of operations, launched the Optimus platform for mining operators, and the Visa Direct or the Maximus Titanium credit card for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Also noteworthy in 2020 was the transformation of the Compliance Committee into a full-fledged directorate, the acquisition of 20 million dollars in new financing from the African institution the Trade Development Bank for SMEs, which reflects the confidence of international partners in Rawbank – Afreximbank, IFC, EIB, etc. – and finally the increase in capital carried out, which allows Rawbank to have more than 200 million dollars of equity, a ratio higher than that set by the Central Bank of Congo.
"Rawbank's finances, performance and capital are strong. Our human capital, dynamism, and broad and innovative product offerings have placed us at the forefront of the country. Our commitment to digital and innovation gives us a head start, as does the trust of our customers. With more than 400,000 customers, Rawbank holds more than 28% of the market share. As the bank of reference in the DRC, Rawbank is also exemplary in terms of compliance. In this area as well, we have been present", says Mustafa Rawji, General Manager of Rawbank.
In this period of health, economic and social threats related to the Covid-19 pandemic, RAWBANK, fully committed and involved in this fight at the national level, is carrying out several actions on the ground for both prevention and assistance to people already affected by Covid-19.
About RAWBANK
With more than 1,800 employees, nearly 100 points of sale, and 230 ATMs, Rawbank is present in 19 provinces of the DRC and in 47 cities in the country, including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma, Mbandaka, Kolwezi, Moanda, Bandundu Ville, Gemena, Mbuji-Mayi, and Mahagi. With 400,000 clients and a 28% market share, the bank supports the development of the Congolese economy. Serving individuals, SMEs, companies, and institutions, Rawbank is rated by Moody's, is ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and has established financing partnerships with several international lenders (IFC, Shelter Africa, TDB, ADB, Afreximbank, and AGF). Security, profitability, and sustainability are Rawbank's operational priorities to consolidate its growth strategy, especially towards individuals and the private sector.
Our vast network of branches is one of the most developed in the Congolese banking sector, located in the country's 19 provinces, including Greater Katanga, Greater Kasai, the two Kivus, Equateur, and Central Kongo.
RAWBANK's objective is to give its corporate, SME, and individual customers access to the most modern techniques, services, and products in the banking and financial sectors, hence the relevance of its slogan, « RAWBANK is my bank ».
Download our 2020 Annual Report
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