Standard Chartered completes exit from Cameroon, hands over operations to Access Bank

Standard Chartered has officially completed the transfer of its entire banking business in Cameroon to Access Bank Cameroon, marking the final step in its strategic withdrawal from the Central African market.

The handover, confirmed in a statement, completes Standard Chartered’s divestment from five African countries – Angola, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania (consumer banking), and now Cameroon – as part of a broader 2022 decision to exit seven markets across Africa and the Middle East.

“We are pleased to announce the successful handover of Standard Chartered’s Cameroon business to Access Bank Cameroon,” the bank stated. “The handover is in line with Standard Chartered’s global strategy, aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity, and driving scale.”

Anna Asonganyi, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Cameroon, described the transition as a “pivotal moment” and emphasised that client and staff continuity had been prioritised throughout the multi-year integration process. “Under Access Bank’s ownership, customers and employees will continue to enjoy the quality of service they have been accustomed to,” she added.

Kariuki Ngari, Standard Chartered’s Managing Director and CEO for Kenya and East Africa, noted that the divestments enable the bank to concentrate resources on core strengths, particularly its leading wealth management franchise and cross-border corporate and investment banking capabilities.

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He stressed that Standard Chartered will maintain a strong presence in Cameroon through international capital flows, trade finance, and treasury services, ensuring continued support for global investors and corporates operating in the country.

The seamless migration saw branches, systems, client portfolios, and employees fully integrated into Access Bank’s network. The transaction further strengthens Access Bank’s growing footprint in Central Africa and follows its recent acquisition of Standard Chartered’s consumer banking business in Tanzania in June 2025.

With the Cameroon exit now concluded, Standard Chartered has largely completed its African retail and commercial banking restructuring, allowing it to redirect capital toward higher-growth, higher-return segments across its global network.