Nigeria Signs Agreement to Host 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings

Nigeria Signs Agreement to Host 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria is set to take centre stage in Africa’s economic growth and development as it officially signed an agreement to host the 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja, reinforcing the country’s leadership in African trade and economic development.

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters Auditorium
Abuja, with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, representing the Nigerian government.

Also present at the ceremony was Afreximbank President, Professor Benedict Oramah, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary Special Duties Mr Raymond Omenka, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Kachollom Shangti Daju, Trade and investment Ambassador Nura Abba,
State House. Temitope Peter Fashedemi
alongside senior government officials, business leaders, and financial experts.

In his address at the event, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, highlighted the significance of hosting the prestigious Meetings, stating:

“Nigeria is honoured to host the 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings, which will serve as a critical platform to drive discussions on trade financing, economic growth, and investment opportunities across Africa.”

According to the Minister, the decision to host AAM2025 in Nigeria reflects Afreximbank’s confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the country’s role in advancing stronger trade across Africa.

“The event is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Africa’s financial sector and positioning Nigeria as a hub for economic transformation,” Edun noted.

In his remarks, Afreximbank President, Professor Benedict Oramah commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting trade and economic development, noting that the country’s hosting of the event would further reinforce its influence in shaping Africa’s financial landscape.

Prof. Oramah disclosed that the bank has disbursed no less than $140 billion Dollars into Africa in the last decade, noting that the intervention is helping in closing financing gap created by the withdrawal of international banks from supporting many African economies.

“Over the last three decades, Afreximbank has grown to become a consequential institution for the continent. In the last decade, it disbursed no less than $140 billion Dollars into the continent. Which translates to one of the most significant supports by multilateral financial institutions to the continent of Africa.

“These investments are helping to close the financing gap created by the withdrawal of international banks from supporting many African economies.

“Afreximbank intervention also made what was once considered impossible a reality by transforming many African economies from commodity dependent to major industrial hubs. Realizing significant value for abundant commodities and creating the capacity of Africans to resolve their social economic development challenges,” he said.

The Afreximbank Annual Meetings attract policymakers, investors, and financial experts from across the world to deliberate on Africa’s economic challenges and opportunities.

The 2025 edition will focus on enhancing trade financing for African businesses, strengthening cross-border trade and payment systems, expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as Africa’s role in global trade and industrialisation.

The AAM2025 is scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 23 to June 27, 2025, with over 5,000 delegates expected to participate in the high-level discussions.

With preparations underway, stakeholders expressed optimism that AAM2025 will reinforce Nigeria’s position as a global investment destination while fostering stronger trade across Africa.