The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) recorded a 19 per cent increase in net income to $1.2 billion for the year ended December 2025, underscoring strong demand for trade finance and its expanding role in supporting economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.
The Afreximbank net income growth reflects the institution’s resilience at a time when many developing economies are grappling with tighter global financial conditions, weaker currencies and rising borrowing costs.
Strong Balance Sheet Expansion
Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies rose by 21 per cent to $48.5 billion, up from $40.1 billion in 2024, signalling sustained growth in its financing operations.
Net loans and advances also climbed 16 per cent to $33.5 billion, driven by increased lending to key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.
Despite global volatility, the bank maintained stable asset quality, with its non-performing loan ratio edging up slightly to 2.43 per cent from 2.33 per cent the previous year. The figure remains relatively low by emerging market standards, reflecting prudent risk management.
Liquidity levels strengthened significantly, with cash and cash equivalents rising to $6.0 billion from $4.6 billion. Liquid assets accounted for 14 per cent of total assets, exceeding internal thresholds and providing room for continued lending.
Shareholders’ funds increased 17 per cent to $8.4 billion, supported by retained earnings and fresh equity injections under the bank’s capital programme. Gross income rose modestly by just over 6 per cent to $3.5 billion.
Although operating expenses climbed to $459.2 million due to staff expansion and inflationary pressures, efficiency remained strong, with a cost-to-income ratio of 21 per cent, well below the bank’s target ceiling.
Investor Confidence and Market Access
The bank also demonstrated continued access to international capital markets, raising more than $800 million through Samurai and Panda bond issuances in Japan and China.
This performance signals sustained investor confidence despite concerns raised by some rating agencies.
Denys Denya said the results highlight the institution’s resilience amid global uncertainty.
“Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the Group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025,” he noted, adding that the balance sheet is “at its strongest level ever.”
The results come as African countries push to deepen intra-regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is expected to drive demand for trade finance.
With a strengthened balance sheet, improved liquidity and growing investor interest, Afreximbank says it is well-positioned to scale financing and support trade integration across Africa and the wider Global Africa region in 2026.
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