Representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (cutting ribbon in the middle) flanked on his immediate left by President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Professor, Benedict Oramah, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun on his right; representatives of governments of several African countries and Barbados; top government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, Afreximbank executives and other top dignitaries at the launch of the historic Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja yesterday
Afreximbank Launches First African Trade Centre in Abuja, Marking a New Era for Intra-African Trade
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially inaugurated its first Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, Nigeria, signaling a transformative phase for trade and investment across the continent.
At the grand commissioning ceremony, dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, *Hon. Dr. George Akume (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), emphasized the AATC’s strategic role in driving economic integration and unlocking Africa’s vast potential.
Dr. Akume described the AATC as a “landmark project” that reflects Africa’s shared commitment to boosting intra-African trade. “This centre is more than a building—it is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development,” he stated.
He highlighted its alignment with Nigeria’s economic agenda, particularly in job creation, diversification, and regional integration.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, noted that the Abuja AATC is the first in a planned network of trade centres across Africa and the Caribbean.
“These centres will act as lighthouses, guiding trade and investment flows within Africa and beyond,” he said.
The Abuja facility includes office spaces, a tech incubator, SME support facilities, a conference centre, and a business hotel—all designed to foster economic growth.
Prof. Oramah also thanked the Nigerian government for its longstanding support, which has enabled Afreximbank to execute key initiatives like the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund and PAPSS.
The event drew over 500 attendees, including ministers from Nigeria, Liberia, Barbados, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, as well as business leaders like Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu. Their presence underscored a collective vision for a more interconnected and prosperous Africa.
Key Features of the Abuja AATC:
– Two interconnected nine-storey towers with commercial offices, exhibition spaces, and a trade hub.
– A 148-room business hotel, wellness centre, and conference facilities.
– Designed for LEED Gold/Platinum certification, emphasizing sustainability.
– Built over 41 months on a prime 5,856 sqm plot, with a global design inspired by African marketplaces.
Six more AATCs are planned for Kampala, Harare, Cairo, Yaoundé, Tunis, and Kigali, alongside a Caribbean centre in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Afreximbank also aims to partner with institutions to establish franchised trade centres across Global Africa.
This milestone reinforces Afreximbank’s mission to boost intra-African trade, laying the foundation for a more integrated and thriving continental economy.
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