Afreximbank Launches Landmark African Trade Centre in Abuja.

Friday 11th April 2025

Representative of H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 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.

Par inAfrika Reporter

In a significant step toward advancing Africa’s economic integration, the African Export-Import Bank has inaugurated its first Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The launch marks a historic milestone for the continent’s trade and investment ambitions, with government officials and business leaders hailing the facility as a turning point for regional development.

At the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, Dr. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, conveyed the Nigerian government’s strong support. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Akume described the AATC as a bold realization of Africa’s potential, positioning the centre as a launchpad for intra-African trade, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

The AATC is envisioned as a central hub for trade facilitation, capacity building, and investment promotion. It aligns with Afreximbank’s broader mandate of strengthening Africa’s trade ecosystem through innovative programs such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and other financial services. The Abuja centre will support Nigeria’s economic goals, especially in job creation, economic diversification, and regional cooperation under the government’s eight-point agenda.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, shared the institution’s plan to establish a network of AATCs across Africa and the Caribbean. While some will be directly owned by the Bank, others will operate under a franchise model. According to Prof. Oramah, the Abuja AATC is the culmination of a 41-month development journey and is now positioned to host a range of facilities – from technology and SME incubators to a Digital Trade Gateway and a business hotel.

Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with Afreximbank has played a vital role in bringing the AATC vision to life. The government’s consistent support, favorable policy environment, and responsiveness to capital requirements were acknowledged as key enablers of the Bank’s operations and development programs in the country.

The commissioning drew over 500 high-profile guests, including ministers from Liberia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Barbados. Also in attendance were major business figures like Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, signaling strong private sector support and a unified vision for Africa’s trade future.

The AATC building features two nine-storey towers – one housing offices, trade and conference centers, and digital hubs, while the other includes a 148-room business hotel and various support facilities. The centre also aims to obtain a gold or platinum LEED certification, showcasing a commitment to green architecture and sustainability.

Designed by SVA International, the structure was inspired by the traditional African bazaar, celebrating local heritage while embracing modernity. Construction began in November 2021 and concluded within 41 months at a cost of USD 120 million.

With Abuja as the flagship location, future AATCs are planned in Kampala, Harare, Cairo, Yaoundé, Tunis, Kigali, and Bridgetown. These centers will provide the infrastructure needed to foster a truly interconnected African trade and investment community.