Co-operative Bank Anchors Kenya’s Blue Economy Push With Sponsorship of Major Maritime Summit in Mombasa

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has deepened its footprint in the maritime and logistics sector by sponsoring the International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) 2025, a premier industry gathering held in Shanzu, Mombasa. The event, convened by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), brought together regional and global players in shipping, logistics, and trade to chart the future of East Africa’s maritime economy.

The two-day summit drew participation from shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents, cargo handlers, port operators, and government officials, all converging to discuss ways to enhance efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and drive regional integration.

Speaking at the event, Lydia Rono, Co-operative Bank’s Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking, said the sponsorship underlines the bank’s role as a key enabler of regional commerce.

“The Port of Mombasa is the economic heartbeat of East and Central Africa, serving Kenya and its land-linked neighbors including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” Rono said. “Our support for this Summit demonstrates our commitment to facilitating seamless trade and efficient supply chains across the region.”

Co-operative Bank has positioned itself as a strategic financial partner for maritime and logistics players, offering tailor-made solutions such as expedited Letters of Credit, bank guarantees, post-import financing, and working capital facilities for importers and exporters.

Rono noted that the bank is now moving beyond traditional banking, integrating advanced digital systems to support a cashless and paperless port ecosystem. The goal, she added, is to shorten transaction times, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency across the logistics value chain.

“We are reimagining banking by embedding digitisation at every touchpoint and aligning our solutions with the realities of modern trade. This is how we empower businesses to thrive in a competitive regional market,” she said.

With over 200 branches nationwide, including key trade hubs in Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nakuru, Co-operative Bank remains strategically placed to serve firms engaged in import and export activities. Its expanding suite of digital banking platforms offers additional flexibility and real-time financial support to logistics businesses.

The ITLS 2025 summit explored critical themes such as port modernisation, supply chain optimisation, digitisation of port services, and the growth of the Blue Economy, aligning with Kenya’s ambition to become a maritime powerhouse in the region.

Industry analysts say Co-op Bank’s involvement signals a deliberate move to strengthen its influence in the high-value logistics and trade finance sector, as Kenya ramps up investments in maritime infrastructure and regional trade corridors.

As the dust settles on the Mombasa summit, one thing is clear — Co-operative Bank is not just financing trade; it is anchoring itself as a vital pillar in Kenya’s maritime transformation.