The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has mobilised over $250 billion into the African continent since its establishment in 1993, according to Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Speaking at the bank’s 32nd Annual Meetings held in Abuja, Oramah described the bank’s journey as one of resilience, determination, and strategic transformation.
Under the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” the annual meetings gathered heads of state, policymakers, financial institutions, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to review Afreximbank’s performance and reposition Africa in a shifting global landscape.
“In 1993, Afreximbank began as an institution with an uncertain future. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s most influential multilateral financial institutions,” Oramah said. “Over the past three decades, we have channelled more than $250 billion into projects that empowered underdeveloped industries, supported economies during financial and health crises, and stabilised supply chains.”
The bank’s interventions have included counter-cyclical funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, commodity price shocks, the Ukraine war, and liquidity crises affecting several African countries. Notable initiatives include financing the development of industrial parks, special economic zones and medical infrastructure such as the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja.
Oramah acknowledged the critical role played by Nigeria and the broader West African region in supporting the bank’s growth.
“The unwavering support of the Federal Government of Nigeria has allowed us to operate effectively in the region, especially through capital calls and regulatory facilitation,” he stated.
The 32nd Annual Meetings in Abuja also mark a symbolic return to the bank’s roots, as its inaugural meeting was held in the Nigerian capital in 1993. This year’s event is seen as a turning point as the bank prepares for a leadership transition following Oramah’s 32-year tenure.
Oramah noted that his three decades at Afreximbank have provided firsthand insight into Africa’s complex development challenges and untapped opportunities.
He called for a coordinated approach to the continent’s economic future, stressing the importance of intra-African trade, value addition, industrialisation and strategic autonomy.
“As the world experiences deglobalisation, protectionism, and rising geopolitical instability, Africa must adopt a development model that is unapologetically African but globally impactful,” Oramah said. “This meeting is not only a celebration of what has been achieved—it is a launchpad for the next chapter.”
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Afreximbank’s consistent support for African economies.
He cited the bank’s role in stabilising African markets during turbulent periods, financing industrial infrastructure, and mitigating the continent’s dependence on external medical and manufacturing solutions.
“At a time when the world is shrouded in uncertainty, Afreximbank remains steadfast in its mission to support the continent’s aspirations,” Shettima said. “This institution has proven to be a pillar of economic resilience.”
The meetings featured high-level panels focused on Africa’s development financing needs, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital transformation, and the future of industrialisation on the continent.
Afreximbank also reiterated its commitment to trade finance, export development, and supporting sovereign and corporate clients across the continent.
As Afreximbank positions itself for the future, stakeholders were urged to strengthen collaboration to harness Africa’s youthful population, resource wealth and growing technological ecosystem.
The bank’s forward-looking strategy includes deepening integration under AfCFTA, promoting intra-African value chains, and expanding its footprint in trade finance and development banking.
