Equity Bank Plans Expansion in South Sudan, East African Says

Silva Kir, the leader of south Sudan and President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan. The President says he will recognize the south if it votes for separation from the central government in the upcoming referendum on January 9, 2011.
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Equity Bank Plans Expansion in South Sudan, East African Says

By Eric Ombok
Jan 17, 2011

Equity Bank Ltd., Kenya’s largest provider of small loans, plans to open two new branches in Southern Sudan this month, the East African reported.

The lender will open outlets in Juba, the capital, and the town of Yambyo, the Nairobi-based newspaper said, citing Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi.

Equity, which began operations in Southern Sudan in 2008, already has operations in Juba, Hai Malakal and Yei, the East African said. The bank also plans to set up outlets in the towns of Wau, Kaya and Nimule at a later date, it said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Eric Ombok in Nairobi at eombok@bloomberg.net. To contact the editor responsible for this story: Paul Richardson at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net.