Dienia stressed the importance of strengthening African institutions, particularly development finance institutions, as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development, promoting democratic governance, and improving living standards on the continent.
He added that enhancing these institutions cannot be achieved without political support from African leaders, warning that the absence of political will could undermine efforts to build strong and independent institutions. Dienia emphasised that achieving this requires sound economic policies, structural reforms, and long-term investments. It also requires diversifying Africa's export base, whether in products or markets, by promoting regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and building new strategic partnerships.
Furthermore, Dienia noted that Afreximbank will continue to support its member states in achieving their short- to medium-term objectives, as it has done during critical moments in the continent's economic history. The bank intervened at the end of the commodity cycle through its financial facilitation tool to address economic fluctuations, providing innovative solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and intervened again during the 2022 Ukraine crisis to mitigate its impact on African economies through specially designed financing tools.
Moreover, Dienia highlighted Afreximbank's pivotal role in supporting industrialization on the continent by establishing industrial zones and special economic zones and supporting the expansion of private sector companies. The bank has also contributed to reducing dependence on foreign currencies and limiting foreign exchange outflows, particularly in sectors such as medical tourism, by launching the first African Medical Centre in Abuja.
Expressing optimism, Dienia said, "Our 30-year experience gives us confidence in our ability to overcome challenges." He emphasized that Africa can shape its destiny if it unites its efforts and moves forward with a collective will for the benefit of future generations, citing a famous quote by Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana: "Anyone judging Africa solely by its achievements should not forget the depth of the hole from which it started."
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