FirstBank DRC has created a second deputy managing director position, appointing Mbembo Bemba to the role. According to the bank's 2024 Pillar III report, its management committee previously consisted of a managing director and only one deputy.

The Congolese subsidiary of the Nigerian banking group did not explain the reasoning behind the new position, but confirmed that Bemba will also join the board of directors, which previously had eight members. This marks a double promotion for the executive, who joined FirstBank DRC in 2023 as the regional director for the Greater Katanga region.

"In this capacity, he contributed to the expansion of the network and the strengthening of the client portfolio, particularly in the mining sector," the bank stated. Before joining FirstBank, Bemba spent four years at Standard Bank DRC, where he managed the client portfolio in the Katanga mining region.

His promotion comes as FirstBank DRC seeks to strengthen its presence in the mining region, boost retail banking growth through digitalization, and increase the share of revenue from digital products to 30% of total turnover. The bank also aims to expand its network of banking agents from nearly 3,000 to 100,000 by 2029.

The bank's sole deputy managing director previously oversaw commercial segments, including retail services, public institutional clients, NGOs, private banking, and customer experience. Now, Bemba will assist Managing Director Olajide Ayeronwi in implementing the bank's strategy, managing its operations, and strengthening its network across the country. He is expected to draw on his fifteen years of experience in the banking sector.

Boaz Kabeya