The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is holding its thirtieth annual general meeting in Accra, Ghana, from June 18 to 21, 2023 coupled with its 30 years of existence. For four days, participants will discuss the activities carried out by the bank since its creation but also the prospects for building a prosperous Africa.
Entrepreneurs, leaders, shareholders and partners of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) are gathered in Accra in the Ghanaian capital to reflect on the theme “Making the vision a reality, creating prosperity for Africans”. It is on the occasion of the annual general meeting coupled this year with the 30 years of existence of the bank, from June 18 to 21, 2023.
Established in 1993, Afreximbank has since carried out numerous activities for the development of intra-African trade.
According to Dr Ernest Yedu Addison, Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, the theme of this 30th anniversary is in line with the challenges facing the African continent, namely the recovery of the economy and the improvement of trade after the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Afreximbank’s interventions are numerous, particularly in trade, industries, finance, digital… Over the past thirty years, the bank has carried out several activities that have supported the development of trade. Nearly 600 commercial banks have received, for example, support to finance intra-African trade,” testified Dr Ernest Yedu Addison.
He added that his country received $50 million in support in 2014 when it was going through an economic crisis.
The Executive Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF), Wamkele Mene, noted that the Pan-African bank has been the leader in financing intra-African trade.
To listen to him, from the creation of the African Union, there was a project to create a bank with the objective of the economic integration of the continent and today, Afreximbank has been able to play this role.
“We will have to prepare for the future with the bank because as Africans, we have a duty to create prosperity,” he said.
For the former president of Niger and African champion of ZLECAF, Mahamadou Issoufou, the Covid-19 crisis and the Russian-Ukrainian war constitute threats to African trade but these can also be an opportunity to reduce dependence of the continent in terms of food, for example.
Specialized solutions for commerce
“Our ambition is to promote intra-African trade in order to achieve the Africa we want. Afreximbnak is a key player in accelerating this process. It has done so for years through support for States but also for the ZLECAF”, added Mahamadou Issoufou.
In the drive to foster intra-African trade, Afreximbank at its general meeting launched AfrexInsure, an insurance management subsidiary that offers specialized solutions for trade and trade-related investments across Africa. ‘Africa.
Branch officials have indicated that its aim is to provide a single point of entry for all specialist insurance needs to help optimally manage related risks for the business.
It will leverage its risk expertise using its continent-wide presence and deep understanding of the African market to deliver solutions around cargo handling, construction, operations and energy sectors essential to the growth and establishment of intercontinental trade and investment.
Afreximbank Chairman of the Board, Benedict Oramah explained that AfrexInsure will facilitate specialist risk insurance to help businesses in member countries of the pan-African bank alleviate the problems of the Africa that must count. on external partners to design the economic resilience and development of the continent.
Burkina Information Agency
Joseph HARO
(Collaborater)
In Accra, Ghana
Legend :
Branch officials said its goal is to provide a single point of entry for all insurance needs.
Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah explained the contribution of his bank in the development of intra-African trade.
During the four days of work, several panels on various themes will be held.
Source: Burkina Information Agency