Morocco’s Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) used GITEX Africa 2026 to show how it plans to speed up its digital shift across the 20 countries where it operates. The plan focuses on artificial intelligence, financial inclusion and new tech partnerships.
Four main priorities
First, the bank wants to become an “augmented bank”. In simple terms, it plans to rely more on AI and data to run services. A new platform called the AI Agentic Factory will help scale tools for credit scoring and fraud detection.
Second, BCP is pushing everyday digital banking. Its apps Pocket Bank and Swipe now have 3.5 million users, up sharply from 300,000 in 2015.
Third, the bank is using AI to include people who do not have access to traditional banking. By analysing behaviour and transactions, it can assess the creditworthiness of artisans and small entrepreneurs through Attawfiq Microfinance.
Fourth, the group wants to align its services across Africa. Its Payment Center for Africa is helping standardise digital tools across countries, from Côte d’Ivoire to the wider West African region.
Big tech partnerships and rising cyber threats
To support the shift, BCP signed three technology deals. Huawei will strengthen cloud and data systems. Microsoft will help with generative AI to improve internal productivity. Mastercard will support the growth of e-commerce and mobile payments.
Cybersecurity is a major concern. The bank says cyber-attack attempts in Morocco jumped from 12 million in 2024 to 46 million in 2025. It now uses AI-based behaviour analysis to protect customers. Around 85% of its transactions happen on mobile.
From cooperative bank to pan-African player
BCP started as a cooperative bank supporting small businesses and artisans in Morocco. It now presents itself as a pan-African banking group still focused on financial inclusion.
Its new “agentic AI” tools aim to automate complex tasks such as verifying documents and adjusting credit limits in real time.
The strategy also fits into Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 plan, which aims to position the country as a tech gateway to Africa. Hosting GITEX Africa is part of that effort.
Education, payments and digital public services
BCP International has partnered with the International University of Rabat to help Sub-Saharan students finance their studies, supporting Morocco’s ambition to become a regional education hub.
In West Africa, subsidiaries Wizall Holding and AMIFA are working to reduce reliance on cash. Their mobile payment apps bring unbanked users into the digital economy before offering credit, savings and insurance.
In Morocco, a partnership with the startup Wraqi is turning Chaabi Cash locations into digital service points. People can certify documents and sign powers of attorney online, linking banking services with everyday administrative tasks.
