• 26 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings Kick Off in Abuja, Spotlighting Trade, Resilience, and African Unity.

The 32nd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank officially began in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together prominent figures from across Africa and the Caribbean to celebrate progress and chart a collective course for the future of African trade and

development.

The opening day was marked by a series of powerful speeches, all underscoring   Afreximbank’s transformative role in supporting African economies. Several speakers paid tribute to Professor Benedict Oramah, the outgoing president of the bank, applauding his visionary leadership.

  Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, welcomed participants by reflecting on the bank’s journey, which began in Abuja over three decades ago. He reaffirmed the institution’s continued support for African governments and called for a renewed focus on industrialization and intra-African trade.

“In uncertain times, Afreximbank remains committed to Africa’s aspirations. Now is the time to actively pursue industrial growth and regional trade integration,” Denya said.

      A Catalyst in Times of Crisis

  Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, praised Afreximbank as a “first responder” during economic crises, highlighting its expansion into Caribbean partnerships and the recent launch of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja.

  “Afreximbank has proven to be a catalyst for transformation a symbol of African financial resilience,” said Cardoso. “Resilience isn’t accidental. It is built through long-term vision, strong foundations, and deliberate choices.”
  

Pan-African Collaboration and Vision

  Samaila Zubairu, President of the African Finance Corporation (AFC) and Chair of the African Association of Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), emphasized the strong collaboration between AFC and Afreximbank.

“Our partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to African-led development,” he said. He also referenced AFC’s State of African Infrastructure Report 2025, reinforcing the idea that Africa’s progress should be financed and driven from within.

      The Caribbean Connection

  Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis described the bank’s inclusion of Caribbean nations under the  Global Africa initiative as both “political and spiritual,” noting that Afreximbank didn’t just engage with the Caribbean—they “made us kin.”

      Looking Ahead: Building Africa’s Future

Representing Nigeria’s Vice President  Kashim Shettima, aide Tope Fasua focused on resilience as a proactive force in shaping Africa’s destiny.

  “Resilience must be planned and protected. The future isn’t something we wait for it’s something we build,” Fasua said.

      Flagship Reports Launched

One of the key highlights of the opening day was the unveiling of Afreximbank’s flagship publications:

    African Trade and Economic Outlook
    African Trade Report 2025

Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist at Afreximbank, explained that these reports go beyond data. They offer strategic insights to help leaders and institutions navigate risks, identify opportunities, and translate complexity into actionable strategies.

  “These aren’t just reports. They’re maps for navigating Africa’s economic future,” he said.

      What’s Next?

The Annual Meetings continue through June 28, with a series of plenary sessions, expert panels, and strategic discussions set to take place further shaping the direction of African trade, finance, and regional cooperation.

Faith Kegh

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