Afreximbank President Dr George Elombi
Afreximbank has announced that it will host its 33rd Annual Meetings in El Alamein, Egypt, from 21 to 24 June 2026, bringing together African leaders, policymakers, and global partners at a time of growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The meetings, known as AAM2026, will run under the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty.” The focus will be on strengthening trade within Africa, building regional industries, and reducing dependence on external markets.
The event is expected to attract heads of state, government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and development partners from across Africa and beyond. Discussions will centre on practical solutions to boost trade, increase investment in local industries, and promote economic self-reliance.
Afreximbank President Dr George Elombi said the meeting comes at a critical time for Africa’s economic future. He noted that over the past decade, the bank has built a strong foundation for intra-African trade and now the focus should shift to processing and adding value to goods traded under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He emphasised that global economic instability and geopolitical tensions make it important for Africa to look inward for solutions. According to him, African countries must reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, invest more in manufacturing and processing, strengthen regional value chains, and promote the use of locally produced goods to achieve sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Hassan Abdalla, welcomed the decision to host the event in Egypt, saying it reflects the country’s commitment to supporting African institutions and regional integration. He added that Egypt’s strategic location and economic strength make it an important partner in advancing Africa’s development and industrialisation agenda.
Beyond high-level discussions, the annual meetings will provide a platform for networking, partnerships, and investment opportunities. Participants will explore bankable projects, trade finance solutions, and new ways to support the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Over the years, Afreximbank has played a key role in promoting intra-African trade through initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and a $10 billion adjustment fund to support countries under the AfCFTA.
The 2026 annual meetings are expected to strengthen collaboration and help shape a more integrated, industrialised, and resilient African economy.
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