Co-operative Bank backs summit strengthening port sector

Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking at Co-operative Bank, Lydia Rono, during the ITLS summit in Mombasa on October 28, 2025/HANDOUT

Co-operative Bank of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to the maritime and logistics sector by sponsoring the International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) 2025, held at Shanzu, Mombasa.

The Summit, convened by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), brought together shipping lines, cargo handlers, clearing and forwarding agencies, government officials, and other key stakeholders to discuss the future of regional trade and the ongoing modernisation of the Port of Mombasa.

Speaking at the event, Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking at Co-operative Bank Lydia Rono said the sponsorship reflects the Bank’s role as a strategic partner in regional trade.

"The Port of Mombasa is the economic heartbeat of East and Central Africa, serving not just Kenya but also Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Eastern DRC,’ Rono said.

“Our support for this Summit demonstrates our commitment to facilitating seamless trade and efficient supply chains across the region.”

The Bank has rolled out specialised financial solutions for the trade and logistics sector, including faster processing for Letters of Credit, bank guarantees, post-import financing, and working capital solutions tailored to importers, exporters, and logistics firms.

Rono added that Co-op Bank is moving beyond traditional banking by integrating digitisation into its services and working towards a cashless, paperless port environment to reduce transaction times and operational costs.

"We are moving beyond conventional banking to become a true strategic partner to the maritime and logistics industry,” she said.

“This means offering bespoke financial solutions, embracing digitization at every touchpoint, and working towards a cashless and paperless port environment that reduces transaction times and operational costs for businesses."

With more than 200 branches across Kenya, including hubs in Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nakuru, the Bank is strategically positioned to support companies navigating the complexities of maritime trade.

Its digital banking platform and innovative solutions provide additional support for businesses operating in the sector.

The Summit also addressed topics such as port efficiency, digitization of port services, supply chain optimisation, and the growth of the Blue Economy—areas where Co-op Bank is actively investing to enhance trade facilitation.

The two-day event featured high-level discussions on regional integration, infrastructure development, and technology adoption aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in East Africa.