Afreximbank has restated its strong commitment to increasing intra-African trade, supporting industrial growth, and strengthening value-chain development under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The bank said it will continue to deepen policy support and expand its trade-financing instruments to make sure no African country is left behind as the continent works toward a unified market.
The Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the AfCFTA Public Sector, Private Sector, and Press Summit. He explained that the bank has already designed fresh and innovative financing tools aimed at unlocking new levels of trade, investment, and economic integration across Africa.
According to him, Afreximbank has been deliberate in developing instruments that match the ambition of the AfCFTA. He said the bank disbursed $20bn between 2017 and 2021 to support intra-African trade and investment and is on track to double the amount to $40bn by 2026. Zanamwe noted that these interventions are part of a wider strategy to ensure Africa builds stronger value chains, increases its productive capacity, and improves the competitiveness of local industries.
He highlighted two major programmes: the Global Facility for Intra-African Trade Champions (INTRA-CHAMPS) and the Engineer, Procure and Contract Initiative. He described both as “catalytic vehicles” for creating homegrown industrial champions and expanding Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
Under the INTRA-CHAMPS programme, Afreximbank offers financing, risk guarantees, advisory services, and ecosystem support for companies with the capacity to scale across the continent. Zanamwe said the programme has already helped reshape Africa’s industrial landscape. He cited ElSewedy Electric, an Egyptian multinational, which used Afreximbank’s support to expand into more than 15 African countries, delivering major electricity and infrastructure projects. He also mentioned the Dangote Group, led by Aliko Dangote, describing it as one of the bank’s longest-standing beneficiaries. He said Dangote’s cement, fertiliser, and refinery businesses are now central to several African value chains.
Zanamwe said these examples show that African companies can lead the continent’s industrial revolution when they have the right tools and support. He explained that Afreximbank is not only financing trade but also laying a foundation for long-term industrialisation, competitiveness, and sustainable prosperity across Africa.
He added that Afreximbank’s participation at the P3 Summit reflects its firm commitment to ensuring that the AfCFTA becomes fully operational. He said the bank aims to turn the AfCFTA from a legal document into an economic engine that drives regional value chains and supports industrial growth.
The director also confirmed that Afreximbank will continue to expand the use of its trade-finance instruments to speed up the implementation of the AfCFTA. According to him, the bank’s mandate is to promote and facilitate African trade, and the AfCFTA provides a strong platform for achieving this.
Zanamwe admitted that some countries may face challenges as they adjust to new tariff structures under the liberalised market. To support them, Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat created the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund backed by a $1bn commitment. Out of this, $100m was allocated to the Credit Fund for commercial projects, while $10m went to the Base Fund for policy reforms. He explained that the Credit Fund is already operational, with $10m disbursed, and fundraising for the Base Fund has been ongoing since April 2025. The Base Fund will provide grants to eligible countries and help them manage temporary revenue losses due to tariff changes, ensuring no country is left behind.
Zanamwe also spoke on the importance of standards, quality assurance, and export competitiveness. He said Afreximbank supported the development of the Africa Quality Policy and participated in the review of the Nigeria Quality Policy. He explained that Nigeria must now strengthen its laws and regulations to enjoy the full benefits of the AfCFTA. He said passing the National Quality and Food Safety Bill is crucial to help farmers and manufacturers meet local and international standards, improve food safety, and boost Nigeria’s role in regional value chains. He added that the bill will also support the African Quality Assurance Centres operating in Nigeria and help them deliver better services to exporters.
Throughout his remarks, Zanamwe said the AfCFTA presents a rare opportunity for Africa to expand production, grow industries, and increase prosperity. He urged governments, regulators, and the private sector to sustain their efforts. He said Africa’s future depends on strong regional integration, bold reforms, and strategic investment. He ended by saying the future of African trade is continental, integrated, and industrialised, and that now is the right time for action.
