Latest news with #BIAT
Web Release
29-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Tripoli Chamber of Commerce and BIAT Celebrate the Launch of the Agri-Agro 360 Project
The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Tripoli and the North (CCIAT), in collaboration with Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT), has launched the Agri-Agro 360 Project, designed to support small and medium enterprises, startups, farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, youth, and innovators in the field of agricultural technology. This ambitious initiative responds to the growing challenges facing the agriculture and agri-food sectors in a rapidly evolving world. It serves as a bridge between agricultural traditions and modern innovation, empowering agricultural entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their projects. The project aims to provide tailored technical and administrative support to agricultural and agri-food initiatives, enhance resilience and growth potential, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Akkar and Northern Lebanon—ultimately making a positive impact on the Lebanese economy. The launch event was held in the grand hall of the Tripoli Chamber, in the presence of parliamentary, ministerial, diplomatic, economic, and union figures, as well as mayors, businesspeople, and a large crowd of interested attendees. The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from media host Joe Farchakh. Chamber President Toufic Dabboussi then delivered a speech, stating: 'It brings me great joy to join you today to launch the Agri-Agro 360 Program, a pioneering project that reflects our shared commitment—as the Chamber of Tripoli and the North—to Lebanon and to agriculture as a vital driver of economic growth and sustainable development. He added: 'This program is more than a collaboration between two institutions—it is a synergy of vision and capabilities, of ambition and execution. Agri-Agro 360 is a fully integrated platform for nurturing innovative agricultural ideas and providing farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with comprehensive support—from training and development to marketing and export. We believe that the Lebanese agricultural sector needs only trust, support, and smart investment to thrive. Today, we take a concrete step toward that vision, hoping this program will be a true turning point that restores agriculture's standing and reinforces the farmer's role in building a productive and self-reliant economy.' He concluded: 'I thank the dedicated teams at the Tripoli Chamber and BIAT, and everyone who helped bring this project to life. Together, we plant the seeds of the future—and together, we reap hope and progress.' Nasri Mouawad, Chairman of BIAT, also spoke, emphasizing the project's significance: 'As of 2023, agriculture contributes only 1.09% to Lebanon's GDP—down from 12% in 1995. These numbers alone highlight the immense work that lies ahead. We believe in local talent and in supporting the economies of remote regions—this is exactly the role this program aims to fulfill.' Following the speeches, the Chamber's Director General Ms. Linda Sultan presented a detailed overview of the project, including its benefits and how to register for its various programs and services. After a short break, a panel discussion titled The Agricultural and Agri-Food Sectors: Challenges, Strengths, and Weaknesses was held, moderated by Joe Farchakh. Panelists included food industry expert Dr. Bachar Berrou, Ms. Nadine Khoury representing Quinta Group, Dr. Roberta Ballaa from the Agriculture Department at the University of Balamand, and Dr. Khaled Al-Omari, Director of the Quality Control Laboratories at the Tripoli Chamber. The second session, titled Success Stories and New Scientific Agricultural Approaches, featured several distinguished speakers: Dr. Antoine Daccache, founder of Agrinnovation; Engineer Charbel Abou Jaoudeh, a leading figure in olive oil production; Ms. Sarah Harb, entrepreneur and founder of Bionord; and Dr. Charbel Tawk, agricultural engineer.
African Manager
16-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: 7 companies among 250 companies with largest market capitalization in Africa
African Business magazine has just published the latest edition of its annual ranking of the 250 biggest listed companies on the continent. As of the end of March 2025, the total market capitalization of Africa's top 250 companies is $564 billion, which is a significant increase on the $503 billion recorded for the same period in 2024. However, this figure remains below the level of March 2020, when valuations reached 597 billion dollars despite the pandemic. The magazine also notes that this decline is partly due to the withdrawal of several major multinationals from African stock exchanges, which is having an impact on market dynamics. While no Tunisian company features in this year's Top 20, the country still places seven companies among the 250 largest on the continent. Topping the Tunisian ranking is Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT), ranked 94th. It is followed by Société de Fabrication des Boissons de Tunisie (SFBT) in 112th place and Attijari Bank Tunisie in 116th place. The next three are Poulina Group Holding (168th), Amen Bank (211th) and Banque de Tunisie (212th). Finally, Délice Holding enters the ranking for the first time in 235th place. In 2025, Morocco is expected to have a significantly higher market capitalization than the rest of North Africa. The region's top six companies are all Moroccan, with no fewer than 15 featuring in the regional top 20. Attijariwafa Bank remains in first place, maintaining its giant status with a valuation that has climbed to 15.6 billion dollars. Egypt has placed five companies in the Top 20. In contrast, there are no Algerian, Libyan or Mauritanian companies in this year's ranking. As in previous years, South Africa remains by far the most powerful stock market on the continent. Its companies alone account for 60% of the total market capitalization of the Top 250, which is a stable figure compared with last year. Morocco remains in second place with a combined value of 15% of the companies in the ranking. Nigeria has fallen back behind it, with just 7% of the total. This is down from 7.8% in 2024. Egypt closes the top four with 6%. The banking sector is the most heavily represented. Regional banks alone account for 18% of the Top 250's total capitalization, while major international banks represent 8%. Insurance companies account for 5% of the ranking. Another pillar of the African private sector is telecommunications. Driven by major players operating in multiple markets, the sector's listed companies now represent 11% of the total value of the Top 250. It should also be noted that only companies listed on an African stock exchange and generating at least half of their sales on the continent are included in the ranking. African groups that are too international or not listed locally are therefore excluded.
African Manager
15-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisie Valeurs, awarded by Euromoney
Tunisie Valeurs has been named best broker for Tunisia in 2025, 'in recognition of the firm's dominance in market share, pioneering role in retail brokerage, and ambitious digital transformation.' Founded in 1991 and now backed by BIAT – Tunisia's largest bank – Tunisie Valeurs has grown into one of the country's most influential brokerage houses, said Euromoney. In 2024, the firm ranked number one on the Tunis Stock Exchange by traded value, handling over TD1.15 billion ($385 million), representing 36% of total yearly market volume. This marked a significant jump from 25% in 2023, driven by the integration of BIAT's retail network and a client base exceeding 20,000 active investors, according to the same source. 'We are a retail broker, yes, but we also deal with institutions. The point is, we don't depend on institutions. We are built for the everyday investor,' Euromoney quoted a senior member of the trading team, as saying. It added that its merger with BIAT Bank has created a national footprint of over 200 physical branches, making it the only broker in Tunisia with a bank-style distribution model. 'This wide reach has proven critical for converting new clients: Tunisie Valeurs added over 1,000 new clients in 2024 alone.'
African Manager
26-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
BIAT achieves outstanding performance as evidenced by figures!
The Ordinary General Assembly of BIAT was held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the bank's headquarters, attended by members of the assembly's board, directors, executive management, shareholders, and guests. Shareholders had the opportunity to review a detailed presentation of the bank's achievements and strategic initiatives implemented throughout 2024. Solid results and steadfast commitment to the economy In 2024, BIAT continued to decisively execute its growth strategy, combining financial strength with support for Tunisia's economic development. Guided by sound governance, risk management, and the dedication of its employees, the bank reinforced its leading position in Tunisia's banking sector, particularly in deposit mobilization and net banking income generation. BIAT's deposits reached 20,814 million dinars, reflecting the enduring loyalty and trust of its clients. Net banking income stood at 1,479.7 million dinars, driven by growth in its investment portfolio. These results enabled BIAT to achieve a net profit of 357.7 million dinars, underscoring the resilience of its business model and the effectiveness of its strategy. With a credit portfolio of 12,807 million dinars, BIAT sustained its support for economic financing. Its balanced and diversified credit portfolio reflects active engagement across all sectors. True to its mission of backing productive industries, BIAT prioritized the industrial sector, which accounted for over 28% of its commitments. The bank also strengthened its support for businesses through close partnerships and the allocation of 1,214 million dinars in investment loans in 2024. For individuals, over 38,000 loans were granted to support household projects and purchasing power. BIAT continued to serve its 960,000 retail, professional, and corporate clients through a network of 206 nationwide branches. Its client base grew steadily in 2024, with 26,000 new young clients onboarded. These accomplishments earned BIAT four prestigious awards in 2024, cementing its reputation as a leading bank in Tunisia and the region: – Best Bank in Tunisia by Euromoney (third time awarded). – Three accolades from Capital Finance International (CFI): – Best Bank Governance in Tunisia – Best Digitalization Strategy in North Africa – Exceptional Contribution to Youth Development in Tunisia Additionally, BIAT renewed its AML 30000 certification, reaffirming its rigorous compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. Accelerated Digital Transformation In 2024, BIAT advanced its digital transformation with the launch of MyBIAT Corporate, an innovative and secure platform for businesses developed in close collaboration with clients. Over 9,000 companies joined the platform, streamlining remote banking operations. Meanwhile, MyBIAT Retail, serving individuals and professionals, grew to 390,000 users by end-2024. To bolster technological capabilities, BIAT established its subsidiary BIAT Innovation & Technology, consolidating IT expertise to drive digital and data development, implement cutting-edge solutions, and enhance cybersecurity. BIAT expanded its new branch concept in 2024, renovating nearly 40 branches nationwide (including Tunis, Bizerte, Sfax, Djerba, and Tozeur) to integrate human-centric service with digital innovation. A digital queue management system was also deployed in 65 branches, enabling online appointments, efficient client flow, and real-time customer feedback analysis.
African Manager
23-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: BIAT reports robust growth with NBI of 385 million dinars at end March
The Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) confirms its strength at the start of 2025, posting controlled growth in its main business indicators at the end of the first quarter. With a net banking income (NBI) of 385.1 million dinars, up 4.8% on the same period in 2024, the Bank remains on a positive course in a persistently difficult economic environment. The NBI for the first quarter of 2025 is based on a balanced structure of several components. The interest margin, traditionally the mainstay of the banking business, amounted to 150.5 million dinars, representing 39% of NBI. The commission margin amounted to 63.5 million dinars or 16.5% of the total, reflecting the continued dynamism of ancillary banking services. A significant contribution was also made by income from the securities portfolio (commercial and investment) and financial operations, which reached 171.2 million dinars, or 44.5% of NBI. This performance reflects the buoyancy of the financial markets and BIAT's prudent investment strategy. On the cost side, the Bank recorded a significant increase in operating expenses, which reached 172.8 million dinars, up 16% on the first quarter of 2024. This had an impact on the cost/income ratio, which rose from 40.6% to 44.9% in one year. However, this ratio remains within a comfort zone, although its increase indicates the need for greater vigilance in controlling costs in the future. On the commercial front, BIAT continues to strengthen its position. Outstanding deposits amounted to 20,336 million dinars, an increase of 11.4%, supported in particular by a simultaneous increase of 11.2% in sight and savings deposits. Net loans outstanding reached 12,839 million dinars, up 5.4%, confirming the bank's commitment to financing the Tunisian economy.
