Afreximbank profit hits $1.15bn as assets soar to N56.7tn

By: Amarachi Okonkwo

The African Export-Import Bank has delivered a strong financial performance for the 2025 fiscal year, posting significant profit growth and an expanded balance sheet as it deepened support for trade financing across Africa and the Caribbean.

The multilateral lender recorded a net profit of $1.15bn (about N1.5tn), marking an 18 per cent increase from the $973.5m reported in 2024. The growth reflects sustained demand for trade finance and infrastructure funding, even amid global economic uncertainty.

Afreximbank’s total assets rose sharply by 19.9 per cent year-on-year to N56.7tn, driven largely by increased lending to African sovereigns and corporates. Loans and advances climbed to N45.7tn, underscoring the bank’s expanding role in financing critical sectors and facilitating cross-border trade.

Interest income emerged as a major driver of earnings, rising to N4.2tn during the period. The bank attributed this to heightened demand for funding tied to trade corridors, infrastructure projects, and supply chain financing across its core markets.
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“Our 2025 performance is a testament to the bank’s evolving capacity to bridge the financing gap in Africa,” a bank representative said. “By growing our interest income and expanding our lending footprint, we are ensuring that vital trade corridors remain open despite global macroeconomic volatility.”

In addition to core lending income, Afreximbank strengthened its non-interest revenue streams. Net fees and commissions increased to N252bn, reflecting improved transaction volumes and service-based income. This diversification helped cushion the impact of rising operating costs and shifting market conditions.

On asset quality, the bank reported a modest increase in Stage 3 (impaired) loans to N76.8bn. However, its overall credit profile remained stable, supported by strong growth in performing loans. Stage 1 loans rose significantly to N44.3tn, while Stage 2 loans declined to N1.0tn, indicating improved credit risk management.

The bank’s shareholders’ funds increased to N11.2tn, reinforcing its capital base and ability to absorb potential shocks. Total liabilities also grew to N45tn, driven in part by strategic borrowings of N21tn, which were channelled into high-impact projects across key economic sectors.

Despite tightening global financial conditions and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Afreximbank expressed optimism about future growth, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The bank also highlighted its continued expansion into the Caribbean as part of efforts to strengthen trade links with the African diaspora.

“We enter the new financial year with a clear mandate to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen our ties with the African diaspora,” the bank said. “Our robust growth in 2025 is not just a financial milestone; it is a launchpad for the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.”

With total assets approaching N60tn, Afreximbank has reinforced its position as a key pillar of trade finance on the continent, setting a high benchmark for multilateral financial institutions operating in emerging markets.