Protiviti enters North African market with new member firm in Cairo

Global business analytics and audit firm Protiviti has established its first presence in North Africa through by adding a new member firm in Cairo. The new establishment provides the only North African representation of the firm’s MENA practice, in addition to members in Bahrain, Qatar and other markets in the Middle East. 

Much like other firms in Protiviti’s network, the new member firm will be a distinct legal entity and will complement the firm’s global network of resources and expertise with knowledge of the local market and an existing pool of clients. The Cairo firm will serve a wide variety of clients in a number of domains. 

In terms of clientele, the firm will support firms operating in the energy and telecommunications domains, in addition to serving financial institutions and other sectors. Services offered align with Protiviti’s global profile, and include specialised governance, internal audit, technology, digital analytics, among a number of others.

Egypt is the third largest economy in Africa, which makes Cairo an increasingly important centre for business. North Africa has been increasing in prominence for the consulting industry, in particular, as the demand for these services has increased in tandem with economic growth.

As a result, a number of firms are establishing operations in the region, specifically in Egypt and Morocco. Global strategy and marketing consultancy Simon-Kucher also made Cairo the base for its entry into the North African market, with the establishment of an office in the city last year.

Protiviti’s Cairo presence will be headed by Ashraf Fahmy, who will take over as Managing Director for Egypt. Fahmy has over two decades of professional experience in the consulting and auditing practice, which includes a 14-year stint as a Partner at Big Four accounting and advisory firm Deloitte in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the entry into the North African market, Executive Vice President of Protiviti’s International Operations Andrew Clinton said, “Protiviti's expansion of the Member Firm network into Egypt reflects the country's remarkable economic progress over the last three years.”

“Egypt is a key northern gate to Africa and having a Member Firm in Cairo further expands our network in the region. We're pleased that the new Member Firm offers unparalleled local regulatory and compliance expertise to clients with operations in Egypt and the surrounding region, as well as to new clients looking to pursue market opportunities in North Africa,” he added.