SECTOR EXPERTISE

Diversifieds and Industrials

Deep support for the sector that’s the heartbeat of the economy

We understand the multi-faceted requirements of Diversifieds and Industrials and draw on deep networks and long-term partnerships to support our clients.

Heritage2
YEARS OF HERITAGE

150

Africa
PRESENCE IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

12

left-quote

THOUGHTS FROM OUR LEADERS

Today’s challenges require future-focused insights and solutions

Diversifieds & Industrials is the heartbeat of local and regional economies. At Absa CIB, the Industrials sector encompasses listed diversified groups that operate predominately in logistics, capital equipment (serving the mining, construction and agriculture sectors), automotive and packaging. A common denominator of the entities in this arena is that each is inextricably linked to the other sectors of the economy.

The pandemic has impacted the sub-sectors in various ways. For instance, the automotive sector has been hit hard and will require a long-term view for recovery. The pace of disruption in logistics has accelerated as manufacturers and retailers de-risk their operations by diversifying their supply chains, logistics companies will have to adapt their business models accordingly.

Given the asset-intensive and cyclical nature of the capital equipment sub-sector, these companies will increasingly look to partnerships and creative solutions for financing. And finally, the alcohol and tobacco bans have significantly impacted the packaging sub-sector.

Over the coming months we expect to see mergers, acquisitions and consolidation across these various sectors as we recover from the pandemic.

Absa’s strong sector-focus across industries positions us well to support Diversifieds and Industrials, leveraging our macro view to understand how different sub-sectors interlink and impact each other.

We foresee exciting opportunities to partner with our clients on solutions beyond traditional corporate and investment banking products as we move toward a new normal in a rapidly evolving world.

Prasanna Nana

Head: Diversifieds & Industrials and Technology, Media & Telecoms

Latest insights

Unique perspectives on factors impacting business today.

Podcasts

Rate cuts and rand strength

Could long-term trends around interest rate differentials bring a stronger currency our way? Find out in this episode of our Coffee Break Commerce podcast.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Your Guide to Stablecoins: From Volatile Markets to Strategic Treasury Tools in Africa

African corporate treasurers and bank liquidity managers know all too well the delicate and daily balancing act of managing cash in an unpredictable environment. One day the local currency is sliding, the next day a cross-border payment is in transit.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Africa Blockchain Report 2025: Blockchain’s Multifaceted Role in Economic Development

The newest blockchain activity across Africa is highlighting the dynamism of this technology, with use cases emerging that demonstrate exciting new developmental opportunities beyond its crypto transaction roots. As South Africa prepares to host the first G20 summit in Africa, a key theme set to be discussed throughout both the B20 (Business20) and G20 task teams is inclusive digital development.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Building a Resilient and Intelligent African Trade Ecosystem

Jessica Gounden, Head of Trade and Working Capital Operations (Pan Africa) at Absa CIB, examines how Absa’s digitisation strategy is transforming trade in Africa by embedding automation, control and AI-driven risk management into its operations, while placing the client at the heart of this transformation

RISK MANAGEMENT

The impact of trade wars on African FX volatility

Gerald Katsenga, Head of Global Markets Corporate Sales at Absa Regional Operations, offers a foreign exchange response to US tariffs and global trade wars.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Africa’s Payments Landscape: A Continuous Digital Revolution

Africa is leading a global digital payments revolution as the continent continues its transition from an historic dependency on cash-based transactions towards a future characterised by digital payments. This growth is being driven by the need for instant, real-time, seamless experiences like enhanced cross-border transactions, contactless payments and digital wallets.

Subscribe to newsletter

Please enter your contact information to receive news and updates.

Full Name

Company email address


By clicking Subscribe, I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.

OUR TRACK RECORD

Feedback from our clients

Subscribe for quarterly updates

Analysis and data-driven insights for a changing world – delivered directly to your inbox.

Rate our website

How would you rate your overall satisfaction with this website?