Business Opportunities in Africa by CFC

Wednesday 13 November 2024

Im Hof Zug, Zeughausgasse 18

17.30 registration starting

18.00 Presentation

19.15 Apero and Networking

Join us for an engaging event titled “Business Opportunities in Africa,” where we will showcase the strategic role of Casablanca Finance City (CFC)—a premier international finance and business hub that serves as a gateway to the entire African continent. This event will focus on the vast opportunities within the commodity trading sector, extending across Africa, with CFC as a central platform for international companies benefiting from targeted economic incentives.

We are also honored to have  as a key participant BANK OF AFRICA: FINMA licensed foreign bank and the Preferred Partner for Swiss SMEs in Africa.

As a gateway to doing business in Africa with presence in 20 African countries, the Bank plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment across the continent, offering invaluable support to Swiss companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in the region. The bank provides a comprehensive range of customized banking solutions designed to meet the specific needs of businesses looking to invest or trade in Africa.

In addition to exploring business opportunities throughout the continent, the event will feature discussions on the Voluntary Carbon Market Offering, presenting emerging opportunities in sustainable trading. This is a must-attend event for Switzerland-based traders and businesses looking to expand their operations in Africa.

We are excited to welcome key industry speakers and leaders who will provide valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions.

Aziz El Khyari, Director of Business Development and African Cooperation | Casablanca Finance City, is a seasoned business development executive with over a decade of experience across diverse industries, including finance, retail, and healthcare, both in Morocco and the MENA region. Currently serving as the Director of Business Development and African Cooperation at Casablanca Finance City (CFC), Aziz has played a pivotal role in strengthening CFC’s presence across Africa. His extensive expertise includes managing strategic partnerships, fostering cross-border collaborations, and driving investment initiatives. Over his 7+ years at CFC, Aziz has successfully led efforts in expanding the city’s global reach, particularly focusing on key markets in Africa.

Sara Mezian is the Head of the Representative Office of Bank of Africa in Zurich, Switzerland, with over 15 years of experience in international banking and financial services. Prior to this role, she served as the Head of Loan Solutions at Bank of Africa UK, where she led a team focused on developing tailored financing solutions for a diverse client base. Throughout her career, Sara has successfully led teams in both London and Zurich, driving initiatives to expand Bank of Africa’s presence in the Swiss market and beyond. She leverages her expertise in strategic relationships and growth initiatives to enhance the bank’s international footprint.

Mrs Mounira Smihi is an International corporate banker with 17 years of experience in African markets, international trade and commodity finance. She served at BNPParibas Paris and Geneva in charge of financial institutions and corporates active in Africa, and at SberBank Switzerland in charge of trade between Russia and Africa. She joined Bank of Africa Group in 2018 where she currently serves as Executive Director in charge of Business development of the Swiss Representative Office, bridging the trade finance gap between Swiss and African SMEs.