By Ejire Folakunmi
The African Export-Import Bank has reported robust financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, with its total assets and contingencies rising by 21 per cent to $48.5 billion, up from $40.1 billion recorded in the previous year.
The bank disclosed this in a statement released from Cairo on April 9, 2026, highlighting sustained growth, financial resilience, and strong execution of its strategic priorities.
According to the report, the Group’s net loans and advances increased by 16 per cent to $33.5 billion, compared to $29.0 billion in 2024. The growth was driven by continued disbursements across Africa and the Caribbean, with funding directed toward key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, food security, and climate adaptation.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Afreximbank maintained strong asset quality, with its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remaining stable at 2.43 per cent, compared to 2.33 per cent in the previous year.
The Group also recorded a significant improvement in liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents rising to $6.0 billion from $4.6 billion in 2024. Liquid assets accounted for 14 per cent of total assets, exceeding the bank’s strategic minimum threshold of 10 per cent.
Shareholders’ funds grew by 17 per cent to $8.4 billion, supported by net income of $1.2 billion and fresh equity inflows of $299.4 million raised under its General Capital Increase II programme.
Gross income rose modestly by 6.06 per cent to $3.5 billion, up from $3.3 billion in the prior year. However, operating expenses increased to $459.2 million from $367.7 million, reflecting staff expansion and inflationary pressures. Despite this, the bank maintained strong cost efficiency, with a cost-to-income ratio of 21 per cent, well below its 30 per cent benchmark.
In a notable show of market confidence, Afreximbank successfully raised over $800 million from international capital markets through Samurai and Panda bond issuances in Japan and China during the year. The move underscored the institution’s strong fundraising capacity and investor trust, despite concerns raised by some rating agencies.
Net income grew by 19 per cent to $1.2 billion in 2025, compared to $973.5 million in 2024, driven by expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions aimed at boosting trade, industrialisation, and economic self-reliance across member countries.
Commenting on the results, Senior Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Denys Denya, said the performance reflects a decade of strategic leadership and consistent execution.
“Despite global geopolitical challenges and rating pressures, the Group delivered excellent financial performance. Our balance sheet remains the strongest it has ever been, with solid liquidity, strong capitalisation, and good asset quality,” he said.
Denya added that the bank entered 2026 with strong momentum, positioning itself to scale its impact, deepen trade integration, and enhance value creation across Africa and the diaspora.
He also noted that subsidiaries such as the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) and AfrexInsure have begun contributing positively to the Group’s earnings, further strengthening its long-term outlook.
The bank’s latest results reinforce its role as a key pan-African financial institution driving trade development, economic diversification, and regional integration across the continent.