The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional trade and logistics by sponsoring the 2025 International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) held on October 27–28 in Shanzu, Mombasa.
The two-day summit, organised by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), brought together key players in the maritime and logistics industry, including shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents, cargo handlers, financial institutions, and government agencies. The event provided a platform to deliberate on the modernisation of Kenya’s port infrastructure, the digitisation of logistics services, and strategies to enhance trade efficiency across East and Central Africa.
Speaking during the summit, Lydia Rono, Co-operative Bank’s Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking, emphasised the Bank’s role as a strategic financial partner in regional trade facilitation.
“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. “At Co-op Bank, we understand the rhythm of maritime trade and the complexity of supply chain finance. Our sponsorship of this Summit reflects our dedication to being a strategic banking partner that supports uninterrupted trade cycles across the region.”
Rono noted that Co-op Bank is developing specialised financial solutions tailored to the maritime and logistics sectors, including faster turnaround times for Letters of Credit, post-import financing, bank guarantees, and customised working capital products.
“We are moving beyond conventional banking to become a true strategic partner to the industry,” she added. “Our focus is on digitisation and innovation, advancing a cashless and paperless port environment that reduces transaction times and operational costs for businesses.”
The sponsorship comes as the Port of Mombasa undergoes major modernisation aimed at enhancing capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness in global trade. The ongoing upgrades are expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional trade gateway and boost economic integration within the East African Community.
With over 200 branches across the country and a strong presence in major logistics hubs such as Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nakuru, Co-operative Bank continues to leverage its digital platforms to support importers, exporters, and logistics firms.
The ITLS 2025 featured high-level discussions on port efficiency, infrastructure development, regional integration, supply chain optimisation, and the growth of the Blue Economy, aligning with Co-op Bank’s vision to empower businesses and facilitate sustainable regional trade.