El Mostafa Ezzougari: “The integration of fintech technologies helps strengthen financial inclusion.”

What are Al Barid Bank’s main objectives for Gitex Africa 2026?
Al Barid Bank is participating in Gitex Africa 2026 with several strategic objectives. First and foremost, it aims to strengthen its visibility and showcase its innovative digital solutions. This event represents an ideal platform to present its new products and services, particularly in the fields of fintech and digital banking. The bank also seeks to establish partnerships with technology players and to share its expertise in digital transformation, mobile banking services, and financial inclusion. Finally, Gitex provides an opportunity for strategic monitoring, enabling the bank to capture the latest technological trends and enhance its offerings.

How does your participation in this event fit into the group’s overall digital transformation strategy?
Al Barid Bank’s participation in Gitex Africa 2026 is fully aligned with its digital transformation strategy, where innovation serves as a central lever for development. The event not only allows the bank to showcase its progress but also to stay attuned to global technological developments. Through its presence, the bank reaffirms its commitment to offering more accessible, simpler, and more secure services, powered by cutting-edge technologies. This approach also aligns with its mission of financial inclusion, by facilitating access to banking services—particularly for populations in rural areas—through digital solutions.

The fintech sector is experiencing strong momentum in Morocco. What is your group’s vision in this area?
Al Barid Bank is convinced that fintech plays a decisive role in transforming financial services in Morocco. Its vision is clear: to become a leading player in digital banking inclusion by offering innovative and accessible solutions for all. The integration of fintech technologies helps strengthen financial inclusion while improving the transparency and efficiency of transactions. With this in mind, the bank has launched several initiatives aimed at modernizing its processes and meeting the evolving needs of both individuals and businesses.

What concrete initiatives have you implemented to support this evolution and stimulate financial innovation?
Several initiatives have been deployed to support the digital transformation of the banking sector. Among them is the development of a high-performance mobile application that allows customers to carry out their transactions with ease. The bank and its subsidiary have also launched digital payment solutions tailored to businesses, encouraging the adoption of electronic payment methods. In addition, investments have been made in innovation projects based on artificial intelligence and data analytics, in order to improve the customer experience and make it more seamless and personalized. Finally, collaborations with external partners make it possible to experiment with and deploy innovations across various fields.

Do you collaborate with startups or players in the Moroccan fintech ecosystem? If so, in what forms?
Indeed, we actively collaborate with startups and key players in the Moroccan fintech ecosystem. We have established an open partnership program designed to support innovative young companies. This initiative takes the form of pilot projects, financial support, and exchanges of expertise. The bank also works closely with incubators and accelerators to foster the emergence of innovative solutions, particularly those contributing to financial inclusion and the simplification of payments.

Cybersecurity has become a major issue for financial institutions. What strategy is Al Barid Bank implementing to protect its clients and infrastructure?
Cybersecurity is a strategic priority for Al Barid Bank. The institution has deployed an advanced security framework to protect transactions and its clients’ sensitive data. This system relies on strengthened protocols, cutting-edge encryption technologies, and intrusion detection systems. Specialized teams ensure continuous monitoring of suspicious activities. At the same time, the bank invests in training its staff and regularly conducts security audits to anticipate threats. It also supports its clients through awareness initiatives.

How do you raise awareness among your users about cybercrime risks?
Al Barid Bank carries out several actions to raise customer awareness of cybercrime risks. Information campaigns are regularly broadcast عبر its digital channels and branch network to promote best security practices. The bank also provides tools such as two-factor authentication to strengthen account protection. In addition, guides and educational content are offered to help users better understand risks and adopt secure behaviors, particularly in the face of phishing attempts.

In conclusion, Al Barid Bank stands out as a key player in the digital transformation of the banking sector, both in Morocco and across Africa. Through concrete initiatives, strategic partnerships with the fintech ecosystem, and heightened vigilance in cybersecurity, the bank is resolutely looking toward the future. Its ambition is to democratize access to financial services while offering innovative, simple, and secure solutions. Its participation in Gitex Africa 2026 fully illustrates this commitment to acting as a catalyst for financial innovation and a trusted partner for the entire ecosystem.