The 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meeting was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 25 to 27. This year’s gathering was the largest in the bank’s history, drawing thousands of delegates and the continent’s most influential leaders to the city where Afreximbank was originally founded. The event was a celebration of African unity and a strategic forum for shaping the continent’s economic future.
Distinguished Attendees
The meeting brought together a remarkable roster of participants, including:
Heads of State and Government from across Africa and the Caribbean, such as Nigeria’s President, Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, and other leaders committed to advancing their nations’ economic agendas.
Former presidents and senior statesmen, adding historic perspective and gravitas to the proceedings.
Ministers of finance, central bank governors, and senior government officials, all focused on policy coordination and regional integration.
Leading African business magnates and entrepreneurs, who contributed insights on industrialization, trade, and investment.
International economists and thought leaders, who offered global perspectives on Africa’s opportunities and challenges.
The presence of such a diverse and high-level group underscored the bank’s role as a cornerstone of African development and cooperation.
Key Conversations and Strategic Deals
The central theme, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” guided wide-ranging discussions on:
Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote intra-African trade and economic integration.
Enhancing cross-border payment systems to facilitate smoother and more efficient commerce across the continent.
Strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on trade, tourism, and joint ventures.
Mobilizing significant funding for strategic sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and value-added exports.
Major Deals and Announcements
Several landmark agreements were signed during the meeting:
A multi-billion dollar programme with Kenya to develop industrial parks and special economic zones, supporting the country’s industrialization and export ambitions.
A significant deal with Gabon, aimed at boosting trade facilitation and industrial development, furthering the country’s economic diversification.
Renewed commitments with Malawi to implement previously agreed projects, particularly in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, supporting the nation’s long-term development vision.
New initiatives to deepen Africa–Caribbean cooperation, including joint investment projects and improved logistics networks.
Launch of the African Trade Report 2025
Afreximbank launched its flagship African Trade Report, which highlighted a strong rebound in intra-African trade and outlined strategies for building resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty. The report emphasized the importance of industrialization, innovation, and regional value chains.
Leadership Transition: Why the CEO Is Leaving
The 2025 meeting also marked a leadership milestone. Afreximbank’s President and CEO is stepping down at the end of his second and final term, in accordance with the bank’s governance rules. His decade-long tenure has been transformative, with the bank expanding its reach, supporting economic growth across the continent, and becoming a key player in Africa’s response to global challenges. The transition is part of a planned succession, ensuring continuity and fresh leadership for the next phase of the bank’s journey.
