By George Ozalla
The African Export-Import Bank will hold its 33rd Annual Meetings from June 21 to 24, 2026, in New Alamein City, bringing together political and business leaders at a time when African economies are under pressure to grow trade within the continent and build stronger industrial bases.
According to a statement by the bank, the meeting will draw heads of state, ministers, central bank governors, investors, and development finance institutions to examine how African countries can move from policy commitments to measurable gains in trade and production.
The bank said attention will centre on removing barriers that continue to slow intra-African trade, including logistics gaps, limited access to finance, and weak industrial capacity. Delegates will also consider how to scale manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and reduce reliance on imports from outside the continent.
The gathering comes as countries push forward with the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to open up a single market across Africa. Afreximbank said the meeting will review progress so far and focus on practical steps needed to make the agreement work for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that struggle with cross-border trade.
Egypt’s role as host reflects its long-standing ties with the bank and its position within the institution. Afreximbank noted that the country remains one of its key partners, with sustained financing support directed at sectors linked to trade and industrial development.
Alongside the main sessions, the programme will include business forums and deal-making engagements where companies and investors can explore partnerships and financing opportunities. The bank said these sessions are structured to move beyond discussions and encourage transactions that support trade flows and industrial projects.
The meetings will also highlight the bank’s ongoing interventions across the continent, including support for trade infrastructure and initiatives aimed at easing access to markets for African businesses.
Over the years, Afreximbank’s annual meetings have served as a meeting point for policymakers and industry leaders to take stock of Africa’s trade direction, with outcomes from past editions feeding into decisions on financing, policy, and regional cooperation.
