By Seth KRAMPAH, Abuja, Nigeria
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially opened its 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a return to the continent after last year鈥檚 edition in The Bahamas. Themed 鈥淏uilding the Future on Decades of Resilience.
The high-level gathering brings together over 6,000 delegates from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora to chart a bold course for Africa鈥檚 economic transformation.
The opening ceremony, held at the Event Centre of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was graced by H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Former Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, AU Commission, Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria among other dignitaries and past presidents of Afreximbank.
Afreximbank鈥檚 leadership used the occasion to reflect on its 32-year journey, highlighting a tenfold growth in assets under Prof. Oramah鈥檚 tenure鈥攆rom $4 billion to $40 billion. The bank鈥檚 impact spans sectors from healthcare to manufacturing, with recent milestones including the launch of the African Medical Center of Excellence in Nigeria.
This year鈥檚 agenda is packed with plenaries, seminars, and deal-making sessions focused on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), modernizing cross-border payments, and strengthening Africa鈥揅aribbean economic ties. The bank expects to facilitate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals, including public-private partnerships and strategic MoUs.
Global thought leaders such as Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani of the National University of Singapore and a distinguished fellow of Asia Research Institute are among the featured speakers.
Africa鈥檚 business titans, including Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, are also participating, underscoring the private sector鈥檚 central role in Africa鈥檚 development.
The meetings are expected to culminate in the closed-door Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 28, where a new president of Afreximbank may be announced. Anne Ezeh, Director of Communications & Events, confirmed that due process will be followed in the leadership transition.
Beyond the boardroom, AAM2025 is also a celebration of African resilience and ingenuity. Cultural showcases, networking events, and exhibitions are spotlighting the continent鈥檚 creative industries and entrepreneurial spirit, reinforcing the theme of building a future rooted in African solutions.
Nigeria鈥檚 Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, hailed the event as a testament to Nigeria鈥檚 leadership in African economic affairs. 鈥淗osting AAM2025 affirms our commitment to regional integration and economic transformation,鈥 he said.
The scale of this year鈥檚 meeting is unprecedented. With thousands of delegates, over 40 sessions, and dozens of side events, AAM2025 is poised to be the most impactful in Afreximbank鈥檚 history. Organizers say the outcomes will shape Africa鈥檚 economic trajectory for the next decade.
As the continent navigates global uncertainties, AAM2025 offers a timely platform for unity, strategy, and action. With bold ideas and concrete commitments, Afreximbank and its partners have laid the foundation for a more prosperous, self-reliant Africa.
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