Elombi said the bank expects more than 4,000 delegates to participate in its 33rd annual meetings, scheduled to be held in Egypt’s Al- Alamein City from June 19 to 24, 2026.
Head of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) George Elombi said hosting the bank annual meetings in Al-Alamein represents a “strategic win” for Egypt both as a financial hub and as a destination for high-level international dialogue and tourism.
Speaking during a press conference on the 33rd Afreximbank annual meetings , Elombi said the bank expects more than 4,000 delegates to participate in its 33rd annual meetings, scheduled to be held in Egypt’s Al- Alamein City from June 19 to 24, 2026.
He thanked the Egyptian government and Central Bank of Egypt Governor Hassan Abdalla for their direct involvement in preparations for the meetings, noting that the event would help promote Al- Alamein as an emerging international business and tourism destination for African and global delegates.
The meetings will be held under the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialization: The Path to Economic Sovereignty,” bringing together African heads of state, central bank governors, policymakers, business leaders, development institutions, and international investors.
Elombi said discussions during the meetings will focus on strengthening intra-African trade, industrialization, regional economic integration, logistics infrastructure, energy security, digital payments, and mineral processing industries across the continent.
He stressed that Africa’s next phase of growth must be driven by stronger trade integration and industrial development within the continent, particularly as global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions reshape international trade flows.
“When the world closes itself to Africa, Africa cannot close itself to Africa,” Elombi said, urging African businesses to expand regional trade and investment ties.
He highlighted the role of major continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and collaborative transit guarantee mechanisms designed to facilitate cross-border trade.
Elombi also revealed that Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees rose to $49.4 billion, while shareholders’ funds reached about $8.6 billion. He added that the bank maintains a capital adequacy ratio of 23% and a non-performing loan ratio of 2.4%.
He noted that Afreximbank’s board approved a $10 billion crisis response facility aimed at supporting African countries facing pressures related to energy imports, fertilizers, and trade finance needs.
The Afreximbank chief said the meetings are expected to generate significant investment deals across sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, trade finance, and mineral processing.
He also highlighted plans related to establishing an African gold market infrastructure, citing Egypt’s strategic location, mining expertise, and financial capabilities as key advantages supporting the initiative.
Elombi called on African and Egyptian media to increase coverage of positive economic developments across the continent, saying Africa often receives disproportionate attention only during crises and conflicts.
The annual meetings are expected to include seminars, investment forums, and high-level policy discussions alongside the bank’s formal annual general meetings reviewing its 2025 financial performance and future strategic priorities.
