WorldStage Newsonline– African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) the multilateral trade finance institution with the mandate is to promote, finance and facilitate intra-and extra-African trade while operating commercially has released its consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (H1’2025).
Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and tighter global financing conditions, the Afreximbank Group’s on-balance sheet and contingent items closed H1’2025 at US$42.5 billion, representing a growth of 6.0% over the position as at 31 December 2025 (FY’2024).
According to a statement, it delivered, once again, satisfactory results for the first half of the year (H1’2025).
“This performance, which surpassed that of the 2024 comparative period, reflected higher net income, a robust liquidity position, and strengthened capital buffers, positioning the Group to better fulfil its mandate across its member states in Africa and the Caribbean Community,” the statement said.
Gross income grew by 2.04% over the comparative period, reaching US$1.6 billion for the H1’2025. Net interest income stood at US$835.9 million, representing a 1.17% increase over the prior period. This modest growth was achieved despite the decline in global benchmark rates, largely reflecting the Group’s efficient management of funding costs. Gross fee and commission income arising from unfunded activities, including issuance of guarantees, letters of credit (contingent liabilities) and provision of advisory services amounted to US$61.9 million.
Notwithstanding the 21% increase in operating expenses, the Group maintained a very favourable cost-to-income ratio of 19%, broadly in line with the historical levels, and well below the strategic ceiling of 30%. The increase in expenses was mainly driven by the implementation of strategic initiatives, and the recruitment of additional staff to support the Group’s growing activities and inflationary pressures,
Loans and advances (the portfolio) stood at US$27.7 billion (FY’2024: US$29.0 billion). This reported decrease in the loans and advances portfolio was on account of early repayments by some sovereign borrowers, who benefited from stronger commodity prices and improved foreign currency positions. With non-performing loans (NPLs) at 2.48% for H1’2025 (FY’2024: 2.33%), the quality of the portfolio remained sound and well within prudent levels. The Bank’s liquidity ratio improved significantly to close the period at 22% (FY’2024:13%) as cash and cash equivalents held amounted to US$8.3 billion (FY’2024:US$4.6 billion).
Shareholders’ funds increased to US$7.3 billion (FY’2024:US$7.2billion), driven by internally generated profits of US$412.7 million and fresh equity inflows under the ongoing General Capital Increase II. A total dividend of US$350 million in respect of FY’2024 was appropriated following shareholders’ approval at the last AGM held in June 2025.
Afreximbank is also delighted to welcome Dr. George Elombi, who was unanimously approved by shareholders at our Annual General Meeting in June 2025 as the fourth President and Chairman of the Board of Directors succeeding Professor Benedict Oramah who completes his second term in office in October 2025. This appointment comes after Dr. Elombi’s distinguished career with the Bank, spanning nearly three decades, where he currently serves as Executive Vice President in charge of Governance, Legal, and Corporate Services.
Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented: “Afreximbank Group reported satisfactory performance in the first half of 2025, demonstrating agility and resilience despite operating in a challenging environment. The Group continued to support member states with innovative financial solutions, leveraging on a robust capital base, access to capital markets as reflected in the healthy liquidity position and Management’s excellent knowledge of the African and Caribbean markets. Management’s unwavering commitment to its developmental mandate, advancing Africa’s and the Caribbean region’s development through trade, industrialisation and economic integration, remain the cornerstone of the Group’s success.
The Group’s fundamentals remain strong, and management continues to focused on delivering long-term value to all stakeholders, while safeguarding Africa’s financial sovereignty.”
