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Afreximbank opens N195bn Africa trade centre in Abuja - DAILY TRUST
After 41 months of construction, African Export-Import Bank has commissioned the $120 million (N195 billion) Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre (AATC) Abuja yesterday to serve as a platform for fostering deeper regional and continental integration.
The AATC Abuja will also house Afreximbank’s permanent regional office, bringing a three-decade-old aspiration to fruition.
Speaking at the commissioning in Abuja, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict O. Oramah said: “Step-by-step we will, on the success of this platform, build a network of Afreximbank African Trade Centres (AATCs) that would offer strong physical institutional infrastructure for deepening connections and exchange of information among Africans and the Caribbean and indeed the wider African Diaspora.
“In August, we expect to open AATC Harare, and in 2026, we expect to open AATC Kampala. In a few months, we would break ground for AATC Cairo and AATC Yaoundé and others.
“Step-by-Step, Afreximbank African Trade Centres would rise into the Blue Skies across Africa and in Barbados in the Caribbean, flying the banner that would embolden every African and restore the pride and dignity of our people.“
He said the bank will create a sizeable network of AATCs that will act as the lighthouses to guide the interconnections and flow of trade and investments within continental Africa and between Africa and Caribbean regions.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun said: “The project is a significant initiative of the Management of Afreximbank with the objective to create a leading commercial and Business center in Africa where all trade can be easily consummated, elevating Africa’s position in global Trade.”
He said the Federal Government of Nigeria is pleased with the bank’s thoughtfulness in situating this edifice amongst its kind in Nigeria.
“Prof Oramah’s patriotism and strong support for the African Continent have proven unwavering with innovative ideas that would impact the economy and livelihood of Africa, including Nigeria,” he added.
