Speaking during a press briefing at the CBE headquarters on Wednesday, attended by more than 100 local and international media representatives, officials said the meetings would focus on boosting intra-African trade, industrialization, investment, and reforming the global financial system to better serve emerging economies.
Abdalla said hosting the meetings reflects Egypt’s commitment to supporting African economic integration and sustainable development, describing the gathering as a key platform for dialogue on the future of economic and financial cooperation across the continent.
“The meetings extend beyond conventional discussions to advance key continental priorities, including trade finance, regional integration, and the pressing need to reform the global financial architecture,” Abdalla said.
Elombi praised Egypt’s preparations for the event and highlighted the longstanding partnership between Cairo and Afreximbank in supporting Africa’s economic transformation.
“AAM2026 will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, unlock investment opportunities, and advance discussions on intra-African trade, Africa’s financial sovereignty, and its economic resilience in an increasingly complex global environment,” he said.
Elombi added that Afreximbank aims through its annual meetings to identify priority projects and programmes to accelerate the development of Africa’s trade infrastructure, stressing that industrialization and intra-African trade remain central drivers of the continent’s future growth.
The briefing also highlighted Afreximbank’s expanding role in Egypt, with Elombi revealing that the bank had provided around $9.5 billion in financing to Egypt over the past three years across sectors including financial services, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, construction, and infrastructure.
He also referred to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Egypt’s New Capital in December 2025, describing the planned $250 million project as a strategic step to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for trade facilitation, logistics, payments, and small business development.
Elombi further outlined plans for a proposed pan-African Gold Bank aimed at formalizing Africa’s gold trade, strengthening central bank reserves, and reducing reliance on offshore refining and external trading centres.
The annual meetings are expected to bring together African heads of state, ministers, central bank governors, business leaders, investors, and development partners to discuss key issues shaping Africa’s economic future and trade agenda.
This year’s programme will include policy discussions, investment forums, deal-signing ceremonies, bilateral meetings, and sessions on the African Continental Free Trade Area, alongside presentations on trade finance, industrialization, energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
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