Kenyan businesses trading with China will now be able to make payments directly in Chinese currency following the launch of a new cross-border payment solution by Stanbic Bank Kenya.
The bank has begun processing Renminbi transactions through China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, commonly known as CIPS.
The platform is approved by the People’s Bank of China for the clearing and settlement of cross-border payments made in Renminbi, also known as the yuan.
According to Stanbic, the new service will allow Kenyan businesses to make faster payments, track transactions more easily and reduce their dependence on traditional correspondent banking channels.
The launch comes after Stanbic’s parent company, Standard Bank Group, processed more than CNY8 billion, equivalent to approximately Ksh155 billion, through the Chinese payment platform.
The bank says the milestone points to growing demand for more efficient payment options as trade between Africa and China continues to expand.
“China remains Kenya’s largest trading partner, and we continue to see growing trade and investment between our two countries,” Jonathan Muga, Stanbic Bank Kenya’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, stated.
Muga noted that businesses were increasingly seeking faster and more transparent ways of paying suppliers and conducting other cross-border transactions.
He added that Stanbic’s access to CIPS would help Kenyan clients trade with greater speed, efficiency and confidence.
How Kenyan Businesses Will Benefit
Traditionally, international payments can pass through several intermediary or correspondent banks before reaching the intended recipient.
This can make it harder for businesses to track payments while increasing the time required to complete transactions.
Through the CIPS platform, Stanbic clients trading with China will be able to make Renminbi payments through a more direct route.
The service is expected to benefit businesses involved in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, energy, technology and general trade.
The announcement was made during Stanbic Bank Kenya’s 2026 China Day, which brought together Chinese investors, diplomats, business leaders and trade partners to discuss economic cooperation and new investment opportunities between the two countries.
The development builds on Standard Bank Group’s 18-year strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
Standard Bank and ICBC were recently authorised by the People’s Bank of China to operate as the Renminbi Clearing Bank of Africa.
The approval made Standard Bank the first Africa-based financial institution with direct Renminbi clearing status. The service can support the clearing of Chinese currency across 19 African countries.
African Businesses Look to Asia
Stanbic Bank Kenya’s Head of China Desk, Muya Guo, noted that Chinese companies remained an important part of the bank’s corporate and investment banking strategy.
Guo stated that more African businesses were turning towards Asian markets for products, suppliers and trade opportunities.
Figures from the Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer show that Asian markets are now the preferred trading partners for 35 per cent of surveyed businesses, up from 24 per cent in 2024.
The report further found that 67 per cent of the businesses surveyed identified China as their main source of imports.
Businesses cited competitive prices, a wide variety of products and reliable supply chains among the reasons they preferred sourcing goods from China.
Stanbic stated that the payment solution would strengthen financial links between Africa and China while supporting Kenya’s ambition to position itself as the main trade and investment gateway to East Africa.
