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Afreximbank Breaks Ground on its Iconic Trade Centre and New Headquarters in Egypt’s New Capital

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Afreximbank

The Afreximbank African Trade Centre will be located in a modern, strategically planned environment that brings together government ministries, foreign embassies, and international organisations

CAIRO, Egypt, December 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), Africa’s leading multilateral financial institution, today marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Egypt’s New Capital, which will also be the home of the Bank’s new global headquarters.

 

Situated in the Diplomatic District of the New Capital, approximately 45 kilometres east of Cairo, the Afreximbank African Trade Centre will be located in a modern, strategically planned environment that brings together government ministries, foreign embassies, and international organisations. It will be the first facility of its kind in the North Africa region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Egypt’s Prime Minister, His Excellency, Dr Mostafa Madbouly, said: “The establishment of the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Egypt’s New Capital reflects Egypt’s important role in driving continental economic integration and trade facilitation.

“As the host country of Afreximbank’s global headquarter, Egypt is proud to deepen this collaboration through a landmark facility that will serve as a hub for trade intelligence, capacity building, innovation, and continental connectivity.”

Afreximbank’s President and Chairman of its Board of Directors, Dr George Elombi, expressed appreciation to the Government of Egypt for its steadfast support since the Bank’s establishment in 1993. He noted that Egypt has hosted the Bank’s global headquarters for more than three decades, contributing significantly to the Afreximbank’s strong growth, and that Egypt, represented by its Central Bank, is also the largest sovereign shareholder of Afreximbank.

Dr Elombi said: “This Afreximbank African Trade Centre in the New Capital is meant not simply to accommodate the expansion of the Bank, but provide a concrete solution designed to address the lack of trade and investment information among African businesses; a challenge that has confounded the growth of intra-African trade and investment for nearly seven decades.”

Describing the relationship between Afreximbank and the Government of Egypt as ‘truly symbiotic’, Dr Elombi said the Bank has disbursed US$41 billion into the Egyptian economy to date, supporting increased investment in strategic sectors including energy, telecommunications, construction and manufacturing, while strengthening Egypt-Africa trade and investment.

“We have helped Egyptian entities capitalise on growing investment opportunities across Africa, helping them secure and execute projects in several countries.”

The Afreximbank African Trade Centre in the New Capital, Cairo, will position Egypt as a major trade hub, housing technology and SME incubation centres as well as a digital African trade gateway offering trade information, customer due diligence, payments, and other digital services.

As the host country of Afreximbank’s global headquarter, Egypt is proud to deepen this collaboration through a landmark facility that will serve as a hub for trade intelligence

The AATC in Cairo is part of Afreximbank’s broader vision to develop a network of African Trade Centres in strategic commercial hubs across Africa and the Caribbean. These centres will provide trade information, market intelligence, financing, networking and collaboration opportunities, and essential support facilities to accelerate trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and drive intra-African growth.

Occupying a 48,888-square-metre site, the state-of-the-art Afreximbank development will feature two basement levels and six floors, with a total gross built-up area of 156,147 square metres.

Once completed, the AATC in Cairo will offer 57,298 square metres of office space to accommodate Afreximbank’s rapidly expanding workforce. Additional office space will be made available for African and international agencies involved in trade, finance, and investment, as well as for some foreign African diplomatic missions.

The complex will host a full suite of modern trade-supporting facilities, including a trade information centre, a world-class library and knowledge hub, an innovation and SME incubation centre to support entrepreneurship, a business centre, a 110-room aparthotel, a 750-seater modern conference centre, an exhibition centre, retail and dinning outlets, shops, extensive back-of-house and support facilities and a 1,200-bay parking structure.

The architectural design integrates three interconnected blocks arranged around a landscaped internal street, creating the social and spatial heart of the complex. Green courtyards, shaded walkways, and collaborative spaces will encourage seamless interaction between work, learning, and leisure reflecting Afreximbank’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and staff wellbeing.

Designed to achieve Gold-level LEED certification or higher, the complex will feature smart energy-efficient systems, solar power integration, water-saving technologies, and climate-responsive design with comfortable shaded outdoor spaces.

This makes the new Afreximbank headquarters one of Africa’s most advanced and environmentally conscious institutional developments.

Afreximbank has appointed Hassan Allam Construction, one of Egypt’s leading engineering and construction companies, as the main contractor under a US$249.5 million contract. Architectural design and project supervision are being led by renowned engineering firm EHAF Consulting Engineers.

This project will generate significant employment throughout the construction phase and in ongoing operations. It will stimulate opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, SMEs, and a wide range of service providers.

Scheduled for completion in early 2029, the AATC in Cairo’s groundbreaking follows the AATC- Barbados (https://apo-opa.co/48XmNFi) groundbreaking in March 2025 and the official opening of the AATC in Abuja (https://apo-opa.co/459NMw3) in April 2025. Construction is already underway for similar projects in Harare and Kampala.

The Afreximbank African Trade Centre network will include hubs in Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), Kampala (Uganda), Cairo (Egypt), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Yaoundé (Cameroon), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kigali (Rwanda) and Tunis (Tunisia).

Together, these Centres will connect buyers, sellers, suppliers, service providers, enterprises, governments, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, development organisations, and the wider African and global trade and investment community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Hainan Economic and Trade Delegation Visits the U.S., Focusing on Trade and Investment Cooperation

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May 22, 2026

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Hainan

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2026 – From May 11 to 14, a Hainan economic and trade delegation, jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Provincial Committee (CCPIT Hainan)and the Hainan Youth Federation, visited the United States to conduct business exchange activities aimed at accelerating bilateral trade and investment between Hainan and the U.S. The delegation, comprising over 20 members, included heads of enterprises and institutions from sectors such as international trade, port logistics, digital technology, marine environmental protection, legal services, and modern agriculture.

At the China (Hainan Free Trade Port)–U.S. (San Francisco) Economic and Trade Exchange Meeting, the delegation highlighted the policy advantages and innovative achievements of the Hainan Free Trade Port to American enterprises. The two sides engaged in extensive exchanges in areas such as international trade, modern services, high-tech industries, and cross-border investment.

The head of the delegation noted that since the Hainan Free Trade Port began island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025, policy dividends have been steadily unleashed. The customs supervision model of “freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line” has been fully implemented. The number of zero-tariff commodity items has been expanded to 6,631. Additionally, the policy of exempting tariffs on processed goods with a value-added rate exceeding 30% has created new cost advantages for cooperation between Chinese and U.S. enterprises.

Sean Randolph, a representative of the Bay Area Council, stated that direct exchanges between companies are essential for establishing long-term cooperative relationships. He noted that the San Francisco Bay Area, as a key gateway for Pacific trade, has maintained long-standing economic ties with Asia, particularly China. As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, sectors such as services, life sciences, and tourism are creating new opportunities for collaboration with California-based businesses.

During the visit, the delegation also participated in the 2026 China-California Economic and Trade Forum and held business negotiations with U.S. companies. The CCPIT Hainan signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Sino America Business Information Center to support the establishment of a platform for bilateral economic and trade cooperation and exchanges.

In addition, the delegation visited institutions such as the American-Chinese CEO Society, the Huamei Business Information Center, the Silicon Valley Open Intelligent Culture Foundation, and Sidley Austin LLP, engaging in in-depth exchanges on cross-border investment , specialized industry development, and commercial legal matters.

In June 2020, China unveiled a master plan to build the whole of Hainan Island into a globally influential and high-level free trade port by the middle of the century. The initiative reached a major milestone in December last year with the launch of island-wide special customs operations, which marked the completion of the first key step toward that goal.

The move has turned the island into a special customs supervision zone, allowing freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China’s customs borders, while enforcing standard customs controls for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland.

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PAC Capital Limited Secures Seven Prestigious International Awards, Reinforcing Leadership in Investment Banking and Advisory

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May 21, 2026

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PAC Capital’s recognition reflects its extensive footprint across key African markets, supported by strong partnerships with multilateral institutions, global investors, and strategic allies

We are proud of this milestone and even more excited about the opportunities ahead

LAGOS, Nigeria, May 21, 2026/APO Group/ –PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), a leading investment banking and financial advisory firm in Nigeria, has been honoured with seven distinguished awards across two globally recognised platforms, further solidifying its position as a market leader in capital markets, advisory, and cross-border investment solutions.

 

At the Gazet International Awards 2026, PAC Capital Limited emerged winner in five categories:

  • Best Investment Banking & Financial Advisory Firm – Nigeria 2026
  • Excellence in Capital Markets & Fundraising Solutions – Nigeria 2026
  • Best Debt & Equity Capital Advisory Firm – Nigeria 2026
  • Excellence in Cross-Border Investment & Capital Solutions – Africa 2026
  • Outstanding Infrastructure & Project Finance Advisory Firm – Africa 2026

In addition, the firm was recognised by World Business Outlook Awards 2026 with two major honours:

  • Most Preferred Investment Banking Firm Nigeria 2026
  • Best Investment Banking and Advisory Firm Nigeria 2026

These recognitions underscore PAC Capital’s strong institutional capacity, robust regulatory foundation, and consistent delivery of innovative financial solutions across Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, and specialised finance and advisory services.

Commenting on the achievement, Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director stated:
“This multi-award recognition is both humbling and affirming. It reflects the deliberate strategy we have pursued to build a resilient, full-service investment banking platform capable of delivering complex, high-impact transactions across markets. As we continue to deepen our footprint in Africa and expand across Global Africa, our focus remains on creating sustainable value for our clients and stakeholders through innovation, discipline, and strong execution.”

PAC Capital’s recognition reflects its extensive footprint across key African markets, supported by strong partnerships with multilateral institutions, global investors, and strategic allies. The firm’s involvement across diverse sectors—including oil and gas, power and energy, infrastructure, aviation, information technology, and the public sector—demonstrates its versatility and depth in delivering tailored financial solutions.

Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director, PAC Capital Limited:
“These awards speak to the strength of our client relationships and our ability to consistently deliver tailored financial solutions in an increasingly dynamic market environment. We have built a reputation for excellence across capital markets, advisory, and project finance by staying responsive to client needs and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. We are proud of this milestone and even more excited about the opportunities ahead.”

As a founding member of Nigeria’s OTC securities trading platform and a registered Issuing House and Bonds Listing Member with FMDQ, PAC Capital continues to uphold some of the highest regulatory and governance standards within the Nigerian financial services industry.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAC Capital Limited.

 

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How the Product Leadership Accelerator (PLA) is Re-Engineering African Enterprises for a Digital-First Economy

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1 day ago

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May 21, 2026

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Leadership

As Africa looks to technology for the next wave of economic evolution, the PLA stands at the center of that journey, turning the SVPG Product Operating Model into a reality for the continent’s most innovative and ambitious enterprises

LAGOS, Nigeria, May 20, 2026/APO Group/ –As the global community celebrates World Product Day, a profound shift is taking place across Africa’s enterprise landscape. The Product Leadership Accelerator (PLA), www.AfricaPLA.com, an initiative of the Innovate Africa Foundation, is officially setting a new gold standard for how value is created and scaled, in Africa, by transforming African enterprises from traditional service providers into high-velocity, “product-led” engines of growth.

 

The PLA is bridging the gap between legacy business models and the modern Product Operating Model. This methodology, practiced by global companies like Apple, Netflix and Amazon, is now being localized, through the PLA, to ensure African enterprises and startups alike solve the continent’s toughest challenges through relentless innovation and de-risked execution.

Building a Pan-African Product Management Talent Pipeline

The PLA is currently powering its 2026 Accelerator Program, a rigorous 12-week program featuring 48 product managers from 13 African countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya. In a significant move for gender equity in tech, the cohort maintains a female representation of about 54%, ensuring the future of African product leadership is as diverse as the markets it serves.

As the fellows tackle real-world problem statements across diverse industries during the 12 week accelerator program, they are mentored by an elite roster of practitioners who have built products at enterprises such as Interswitch, Netflix, Amazon, Microsoft, Paystack, and mPesa. They also receive strategic, high-level guidance from global product legends Marty Cagan and SVPG Partner Christian Idiodi.

“Building in Africa requires a distinct level of empathy, adaptability, and mastery of the product operating model,” explains Nkem Nweke, Lead at the PLA. “We empower leaders and enterprises to harness tools like AI while offering them strategic product management advisory. Our goal is to support companies in adopting a product-led culture which drives sustainable economic growth. By mitigating risks before investing significant capital or public resources, we help both enterprises and startups create solutions that truly meet market and consumer needs.”

Enterprise Transformation and Proven Outcomes

Our goal is to raise product leaders who are deeply versed in the mechanics of discovery and delivery

The impact of the PLA extends deep into the corporate sector through its specialized Product Management Advisory. Organizations reliant on technology spanning telecoms, FMCG, commerce, retail, finance, and government, are increasingly seeking to leverage the PLA’s expertise to shift their product teams from traditional project-based approaches to outcome-driven product cultures that drive growth.

The effectiveness of the PLA’s approach is best seen through its corporate partnerships. Afrinvest, a leading financial institution, serves as a primary example of how the PLA’s advisory services drive immediate corporate value.

“The PLA didn’t just upskill one individual; it has been a game-changer for our internal innovation culture, sparking a ripple effect of outcome-driven progress throughout our entire product department. “says Victor Ndukauba, Deputy MD, West Africa Afrinvest. “Seeing the speed at which our team can now identify and solve real consumer problems is why we’ve increased our participation this year.”

This sentiment is echoed by partners like Insight7, One Cluster and Agile Product Management, who view the PLA as the engine room for the continent’s digital maturity.

Central to this transformation is integrating tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling product managers to achieve world-class standards, driving efficiency, and ensuring African businesses set the pace for global innovation.

De-Risking African-Built Solutions

For founders, the stakes have never been higher. “Our goal is to raise product leaders who are deeply versed in the mechanics of discovery and delivery, ” notes Osa Awani, Head of Program at the PLA. “We see the shift happening in real-time as our fellows move from theoretical knowledge to building solutions that address market friction with surgical precision.” When founders and Product Managers master the product operating model, they stop guessing; and with a commitment to solving real problems, African product leaders will not only compete globally they will lead.”

Impact by the Numbers

  • 13 Countries: Active representation in the 2026 cohort, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Cameroun, Egypt and more.
  • 54%+ Female Representation: Leading the charge in inclusive tech leadership.
  • Scores of Scholarships: The Innovate Africa Foundation has provided scholarships to dozens of African product managers to attend prestigious SVPG Masterclasses, resulting in career promotions, career pivots to executive leadership, and the launch of new tech ventures.
  • 3-City Product Tour: Recently concluded engagements with product leaders across Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town.

A Future Defined by Innovation

Founded by Christian Idiodi, (partner at the globally renowned Silicon Valley Product Group),  the PLA is rooted in the belief that the intersection of world-class tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategic product management is essential to mastering the craft of creating exceptional products for Africa; thereby unlocking Africa’s economic potential. By offering cutting-edge tools, a robust network, and the innovative mindset of the world’s most successful organizations, the PLA ensures Africa’s challenges are addressed with future-ready, world-class solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Product Leadership Accelerator (PLA).

 

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