In a robust opening to the thirty second Annual Conferences of the African Export-Import Financial institution (Afreximbank) in Abuja, Nigeria, African leaders and monetary consultants gathered to reaffirm the continent’s dedication to constructing financial resilience, strengthening establishments, and asserting strategic autonomy in a world marked by rising geopolitical uncertainty and financial fragmentation.
Underneath the theme “Constructing the Future on A long time of Resilience,” the gathering spotlighted Afreximbank’s pivotal function as a bulwark in opposition to exterior shocks and as a catalyst for Africa’s transformation. The conferences come at a time when Africa faces the compounding results of worldwide volatility, lowered worldwide support, and a fractured multilateral commerce system.
“This can be a clarion name for Africa to look inward, harmonize our collective power, and take our future into our personal fingers,” declared Mr. Denys Denya, Senior Government Vice President of Afreximbank, in his opening handle.
“We’re getting into a brand new period the place uncertainties are giving method to instability. On this local weather, the resilience and unity of African establishments will decide our future.”
Tracing Afreximbank’s historical past again to its institution within the early Nineties, Denya reminded attendees that the financial institution was born in defiance of widespread Afro-pessimism and international debt crises. He emphasised that regardless of robust opposition to its formation–both from inside and out of doors the continent–Afreximbank has developed right into a systemically related establishment, supporting over 50 African nations and the broader improvement agenda.
“Over the previous three many years, the Financial institution has stood agency amid shocks–from the collapse of the commodity super-cycle to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine disaster,” he mentioned. “We supplied counter-cyclical assist when others pulled again. We backed industrial parks, constructed particular financial zones, and this yr, accomplished Africa’s first Medical Heart of Excellence proper right here in Abuja.”
In a heartfelt welcome observe, Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Afreximbank, described the thirty second Annual Conferences as not solely a pivotal second for the establishment but in addition a private milestone.
“It’s with nice pleasure that I welcome you to the thirty second Annual Conferences of Afreximbank, happening within the vibrant metropolis of Abuja,” he mentioned.
“This gathering is especially vital because it marks a memorable homecoming–reminiscent of our first-ever AAM right here in 1993–and the start of the closing chapter of my 32 years of privileged service on the Financial institution.”
Prof. Oramah mirrored on the Financial institution’s exceptional evolution over three many years and the event challenges and alternatives he has encountered all through his tenure.
“We now have mobilised over $250 billion into Africa, empowered industries lengthy uncared for by conventional financiers, and served as a lifeline throughout crises–from COVID-19 to damaged provide chains,” he recounted.
“Our story is one in every of defiance in opposition to doubt, institution-building amid resistance, and steadfast perception in Africa’s potential.”
He praised the unwavering assist from the Nigerian authorities, significantly its constant capital commitments and efforts to ease regulatory constraints. Such assist, he famous, has been instrumental in advancing Afreximbank’s operations in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Oramah emphasised that this yr’s conferences function a platform for deep reflection and forward-looking technique, significantly amid international headwinds equivalent to deglobalization, protectionism, and geopolitical rigidity.
“Now greater than ever, we should construct power from inside and create a future that’s unapologetically African and globally impactful,” he mentioned.
“This yr’s conferences are structured to deal with these themes head-on: analyzing our previous, reimagining our establishments, and strategizing for a fractured and deglobalizing world.”
He known as on all participants–from policymakers to non-public sector actors and academia–to collaborate in forging a roadmap that reinforces Africa’s financial sovereignty and builds inclusive prosperity.
“Allow us to information our conversations towards unearthing the most effective pathway for financial emancipation in a world devolving into fragmentation,” Prof. Oramah urged.
“Thanks for becoming a member of us on this historic gathering. I want you insightful deliberations and a memorable expertise in Abuja.”
Talking on the identical occasion, Governor of the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, lauded Afreximbank’s transformative influence and deep partnership with Nigeria, which stays each a founding member and the financial institution’s largest single beneficiary.
“In the previous few many years, Nigeria has obtained over $52 billion in commerce and mission financing from Afreximbank,” Cardoso disclosed.
“That could be a reflection of our shared imaginative and prescient and mutual confidence. Afreximbank isn’t just a financier — it’s a strategic enabler of Africa’s ambitions.”
Cardoso credited the financial institution for its responsiveness throughout key moments of disaster, together with its function in Africa’s public well being response throughout COVID-19 and its interventions in commerce liquidity throughout international monetary downturns.
The discussions emphasised that resilience have to be intentional — anchored in foresight, governance, and strategic execution. Cardoso provided a framework for constructing enduring African establishments by emphasizing the significance of strategic foresight, which implies investing for the subsequent decade, not simply the subsequent quarter. He famous that disaster preparedness is important, requiring establishments to plan for disruptions earlier than they arrive. Clear communication can also be important; in moments of uncertainty, individuals search for readability. And at last, sturdy governance programs are vital to make sure institutional credibility and self-discipline.
“Resilience will not be unintended,” he mentioned. “It’s engineered by deliberate decisions and long-term pondering. We should construct establishments that stand up to storms–not simply survive them.”
Each audio system urged larger engagement with the African diaspora and the total implementation of the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA) to spice up intra-African commerce and international competitiveness.
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Cardoso praised Afreximbank’s work in redefining diaspora engagement, particularly by latest outreach to Caribbean nations. He additionally introduced new Nigerian monetary products–the Non-Resident Nigerian Extraordinary Account and the Non-Resident Nigerian Funding Account–designed to draw remittances and overseas funding from Nigerians overseas.
“These instruments are sport changers. They’ll assist us diversify our reserve base, stabilize the Naira, and produce our diaspora nearer to nationwide improvement,” he famous.
The opening of AAM2025 was not only a ceremonial reflection however a daring declaration of Africa’s resolve to take cost of its future. Denya emphasised that the resilience constructed over the previous 32 years should now be channeled into supply, innovation, and unity.
“Afreximbank has helped us dream huge — now it’s time to ship huge,” Cardoso urged.
“Allow us to depart right here not solely impressed by the previous, however united within the work that lies forward.”
The thirty second Afreximbank Annual Conferences happen from June 25-27, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, convening African leaders, policymakers, central bankers, personal sector stakeholders, and worldwide companions.
Day one occasion options strategic classes on Realizing the imaginative and prescient of the African founders: Progress in direction of Africa’s Commerce and Financial Integration, Reflections on the Journey of Fore-leaders of Afreximbank in direction of their desires: A dialog with former presidents of Afreximbank, Reclaiming Africa’s future by funding and innovation in Well being care, AfCFTA implementation and overcoming the challenges of expatriation and constructing organizational resilience, amongst others.
