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Afreximbank delivered exceptional 2024 financial performance, cementing its position as a systemic pan-African trade finance institution

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Afreximbank

These impressive results highlight Afreximbank’s resilience, systemic relevance and its commitment to delivering on its mandate and the objectives set under its Sixth Strategic Plan

Management remains confident in the Group’s ability to navigate ongoing economic headwinds and sustain growth trajectory

CAIRO, Egypt, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Group”) (www.Afreximbank.com) has released the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and its subsidiaries, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Financial Highlights

Afreximbank reported strong financial performance despite a complex global economic landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and elevated interest rate, posting a net income of US$973.5 million for FY 2024, a 29% increase from the previous year – with subsidiaries beginning to make meaningful contributions to the Group’s financial results.

These impressive results highlight Afreximbank’s resilience, systemic relevance and its commitment to delivering on its mandate and the objectives set under its Sixth Strategic Plan. The Group’s total income increased by 23% to reach US$3.3 billion, driven by growth in business volumes and supported by higher market interest rates. As a result, net interest income for FY2024 amounted to US$1.8 billion, a 25% increase compared to FY2023, reflecting the effective and efficient management of borrowing costs.

Despite rising operating expenses, Cost-to-Income ratio improved to 18% in FY 2024, down from 19% in the previous year – demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency. This was achieved even as total operating expenses rose by 21% to US$367.7 million (FY2023: US$304.5 million), primarily due to global inflationary pressures and increased investment in human capital to support expanded business activities.

Group’s total assets, including contingencies, grew by 7.55%, reaching US$40.1 billion as of 31 December 2024, compared to US$37.3 billion at the close of FY’2023. The growth was largely driven by increases in net loans and advances to customers, guarantees and letters of credit, as well as investments at fair value, property and equipment.

The carrying value of property and equipment increased by 33%, rising from US$328.1 million to US$436.4 million, primarily driven by the accelerated construction of the state-of-the-art Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, and Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Group’s Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% in 2024, reaching US$7.2 billion (FY’2023: US$6.1 billion). This growth was largely driven by the Net income of US$973.5 million generated in 2024 which contributed to the increase in equity, while FY’2023 dividends of US$314.5 million were appropriated following the Shareholders’ approval in June 2024. Additionally, the successful capital-raising efforts under the second general capital increase (GCI II) programme, which secured fresh equity contributions totalling US$412.8 million during the year also contributed to the increase in Group shareholders’s funds.

The Bank’s callable capital, a significant proportion of which was credit enhanced as part of the Bank’s Capital Management Strategy, amounted to US$4.3 billion as at 31 December 2024 (FY’2023: US$3.7 billion).

Operating Highlights

In 2024, Afreximbank was ranked number one in all three categories in the Bloomberg Capital Markets League Tables Report for African Capital Markets. The Bank was the top Sub-Saharan Africa bookrunner, administrative agent and mandated lead arranger. These rankings affirm the Bank’s role as a market leader in facilitating capital from within and outside of the continent from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders for financing needs for African member states and organizations.

Afreximbank continued to expand its membership, further deepening its continental and diaspora reach. Libya’s accession to the Establishment Agreement brought the number of African member states to 53 by year-end, and just weeks later, Somalia became the 54th participating state. On the Caribbean front, membership momentum remained strong, with 12 of the 15 CARICOM countries having signed the Bank’s Participating Agreement, paving way for Afreximbank to expand its operations into the region.

The Bank’s subsidiaries also delivered a robust growth and made a significant impact throughout the year. The Fund for Export Development (FEDA), the equity investment subsidiary of the Bank, expanded its impact portfolio to over US$0.5 billion, targeting key sectors such as industrial platforms, financial services, agribusiness, and healthcare. AfrexInsure, the Bank’s specialty insurance subsidiary, successfully deployed its solutions to an expanding customer base across multiple sectors and geographies. By year-end, AfrexInsure had completed transactions in seventeen countries, up from seven the previous year, covering US$3.54 billion in assets. Notably, AfrexInsure was able to place 97% of its premiums with pan-African players, in line with its mandate to keep premiums on the continent.

The Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with 3 additional Central Banks and 50 commercial banks joining the platform, bringing the total number of Central Banks to 16 and commercial banks to 144. In addition, PAPSS launched the African Currency Marketplace (PACM) in 2024, which successfully handled 12 currencies during its pilot phase and becoming a useful platform for large corporates encountering difficulties in repatriating funds across the continent. Work is also progressing towar the launch of the PAPSS card, further enhancing the platform’s capacity to facilitate seamless financial transactions across the continent.

In the last quarter of 2024, the Bank priced its debut Samurai bond, securing a regular 5 tranche JPY 67.2 billion. Concurrently, the Bank launched its inaugural Retail Samurai bond with a 3-year fixed-rated tranche valued at JPY 14.1 billion. The bonds are rated ‘A-’ by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd and helped with diversifying the Bank’s funding sources.

The fundraising opportunities were further validated by the AAA/Stable rating awarded to the Bank by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), the highest rating ever granted to an African multilateral financial institution. This prestigious rating not only affirms the Bank’s developmental impact and operational strength but also enhances our ability to diversify funding sources and strengthen our partnership with China, Africa’s largest trading partner.

Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria will hold the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, from 4-10 September 2025. The event, the largest of its kind in Africa, champions the cause of changing the socio-economic landscape of Africa by devising progressive initiatives aimed at promoting intra-African trade, continental integration and a platform for bringing the AfCFTA vision to life.

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

“In a challenging and rapidly evolving global geopolitical and economic environment, the Group delivered robust financial performance, exceeding expectations and outperforming prior years. This achievement highlights management’s commitment to executing the 6th Strategic Plan, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing value. The Bank’s strong financial position is underpinned by solid liquidity, a well-capitalized balance sheet, and a high-quality asset portfolio. Management remains confident in the Group’s ability to navigate ongoing economic headwinds and sustain growth trajectory. Strategic initiatives to mitigate risks and optimize operations have reinforced the foundation for long-term success. Looking ahead, global economic conditions are expected to remain volatile, with inflationary pressures, tighter financial conditions, and geopolitical uncertainties posing potential risks. The Bank will continue to play its role as a systemically relevant institution, balancing growth, liquidity, profitability, and risk management while pursuing sustainable expansion.”

Highlights of the results for the Group and Bank are shown below:

Financial Metrics FY-2024 FY-2023
Gross Income (US$ billion) 3.3 2.6
Operating Income (US$ billion) 2.0 1.6
Net Income (US$ million)  

973.5

 

756.1

Total Assets (US$ billion)  

35.3

 

33.5

Total Liabilities (US$ billion)  

28.1

 

27.3

Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)  

7.2

 

6.1

Net asset value per share US$69,270 US$63,683

 

 Financial Metrics FY-2024 FY-2023
Profitability

Return on average assets (ROAA)

Return on average equity (ROAE)

 

2.96%

15.31%

 

2.56%

13.31%

Operating Efficiency

Net interest spread

Cost-to-income ratio

 

4.07%

18.35%

 

4.09%

19.09%

Asset Quality

Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

 

2.33%

 

2.47%

Liquidity and capital adequacy

Cash/Total assets

Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

 

13.18%

24%

 

16.80%

25%

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank

Energy

U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum Expands to Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security

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Africa

This year’s U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum in Houston signals a strategic shift toward integrated energy and critical minerals investment, strengthening U.S. partnerships across Africa’s resource and industrial value chains

HOUSTON, United States of America, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –The U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum (USAEMF) has relaunched with a dedicated focus on critical minerals, marking an important evolution in its role as a platform for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement. Building on its foundation in energy, power and industrial projects, the forum’s expanded scope positions it at the center of investment conversations shaping the future energy economy.

 

Scheduled for July 21–22, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USAEMF comes at a time of surging global demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and rare earth elements, driven by electrification, battery storage, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Africa is increasingly critical to securing these materials, highlighting how energy and minerals are now interconnected pillars of industrial growth, geopolitical stability and decarbonization.

The forum’s minerals mandate deepens engagement with African producers – particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves. Momentum is building through the U.S.–DRC strategic minerals framework and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a major investment platform supported by the DFC and private partners. The consortium is pursuing a 40% stake in the Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations in a $9 billion transaction, securing long-term supply for allied markets while reinforcing cooperation on infrastructure, security and supply-chain governance.

Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties

U.S. financing is also expanding across the region, with the DFC managing a continental portfolio exceeding $13 billion to support mining, processing and transport infrastructure for critical mineral supply chains. Recent commitments include rare earth, graphite and potash projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Gabon; broader investments in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa; and $553 million linked to the development of the Lobito Corridor. The DFC is also a major backer of TechMet, a U.S.-supported investment firm valued at over $1 billion, which is raising up to $200 million to expand copper, cobalt, lithium and rare earth assets and pursue new opportunities across the DRC and Zambia. Together, these initiatives underscore Washington’s push to diversify battery-mineral supply while positioning Africa as a long-term partner in clean energy and industrial value chains.

Houston’s role as host city reflects the alignment between American industrial capacity and African resource development. Long established as a global energy hub, the city is expanding into energy transition technologies, advanced materials, carbon management and industrial innovation. By convening African governments with U.S. private equity, development finance institutions, exporters, insurers and technical service providers, the forum creates a commercial platform capable of converting mineral potential into bankable projects.

“The evolution from USAEF to USAEMF reflects a broader shift toward integrated energy and mineral development,” states Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power, forum organizers. “Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties and advances projects that deliver long-term shared value.”

While critical minerals define the forum’s strategic expansion, the U.S.’ longstanding role in Africa’s energy sector remains central to the platform’s value proposition. American energy companies continue to advance exploration and development across key upstream markets, support gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea and revitalize mature production in North Africa. U.S. export credit and development finance are also helping unlock large-scale LNG capacity in Mozambique while supporting optimization and expansion across existing gas infrastructure in West Africa – demonstrating how American capital, engineering expertise and risk-mitigation tools convert resource potential into delivered energy systems.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Pesalink and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Local Currencies in Kenya

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Pesalink

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers across African borders in local currencies.
  • Simpler cross-border payments for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
  • 80 plus Pesalink network participants now linked to 160 plus PAPSS participating banks.

 

Pesalink, Kenya’s de facto instant payment network, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to ease cross-border payment and speed up regional financial integration.

 

The partnership enables instant 24/7 cross-border payments from PAPSS participants into banks and mobile money operators within the Pesalink network in Kenya, all settled in local currencies. This reduces complex correspondent banking requirements and reliance on foreign reserve currencies.

 

Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments

PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables cross-border payments between African countries. Pesalink is now a Technical Connectivity Provider. It means that 80 plus Kenyan bank, fintech, SACCO and telco participants on the Pesalink network will be connected to 160 plus commercial banks and fintechs on the PAPSS platform.

 

Cross-border payments remain expensive and slow for many African businesses. The 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) World Bank Remittance Prices report indicates that sending money across African borders incurs on average 7-8% of the total value sent (above the global average of 6–7%). Settlement can also take three to seven business days.

 

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders.

 

Speaking during the partnership signing held at Pesalink offices in Nairobi, PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III said, “For PAPSS to deliver true impact, collaboration with national and private switches like Pesalink is essential. Pesalink is the first switch we’ve piloted for transaction termination in Kenya, and we are already seeing greater adoption by opening more channels for seamless, local-currency cross-border payments across Africa.”

 

Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika, said “Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments. They will be helping their customers grow more regional trading relationships and thrive in a more integrated digital economy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Events

Africa Trade Conference Returns to Cape Town with Esteemed Speakers Driving Africa’s Trade Agenda

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Africa

Second edition convenes global policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Access Bank Plc (www.AccessBankPLC.com) is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. Building on the strong foundation of its inaugural edition, ATC 2026 will convene an exceptional assembly of global and African leaders, policymakers, investors, and business executives committed to shaping the future of trade on the continent.

The Africa Trade Conference has rapidly emerged as a premier platform for advancing dialogue and action around Africa’s evolving role in global commerce. The 2026 edition will feature influential voices from across finance, government, development institutions, and the private sector, who will share insights on unlocking trade opportunities, strengthening intra-African commerce, enabling business expansion, and positioning African enterprises for global competitiveness.

The confirmed speakers represent a powerful cross-section of leaders driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Building on the momentum of its maiden edition, which convened senior decision-makers from 28 countries, the 2026 conference with the theme “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact”, will have the keynote address delivered by Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Their joint keynote will address the evolving financing landscape for African trade and the strategic pathways for unlocking continental prosperity.

The welcome address will be delivered by Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO/GMD, Access Bank Plc, who will set the tone for discussions centered on trade transformation, financial inclusion, and regional competitiveness, while Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, will deliver insights on “Africa Trade Outlook 2026”, examining emerging macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts, and growth opportunities across key sectors.  The CEO of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, Mike Ogbalu, will be engaging the conference participants on the topic, “Building a Connected Africa Through Trade, Payments & Technology”, focusing on how payment interoperability and digital infrastructure can accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us

The conference will also host a High-Level Ministerial Panel that features Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana; Mr. Florian Witt, Divisional Head, International & Corporate Banking Oddo-BHF, Ms. Nathalie Louat – Global Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dr Isaiah Rathumba – Head of Department, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Mr. Alfred Idialu – Chief Rep Officer, Deutsche Bank among other policymakers shaping trade policy across the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:
“The Africa Trade Conference reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation by creating a platform that brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas shaping the future of trade. The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us. Africa is not only participating in global trade, it is helping to redefine it. Through this convening, we aim to catalyse partnerships, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.”

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.”

With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank’s expansive footprint places it in a unique position to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across markets.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future facing. ATC 2026 is part of that commitment, Ogbonna added.

ATC 2026 is expected to catalyze partnerships, enable policy dialogue, and provide actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond the continent.

The Access Bank Chief puts it thus, “Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”

For more information and registration, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4sdXWF7

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.

 

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