ABUJA, Nigeria (BG) – The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) inaugurated its first African Trade Centre (AATC) on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s efforts to boost intra-African trade and economic integration.

At the launch, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, described the Abuja AATC as the first of several planned centers across Africa and the Caribbean.

“Some would be Afreximbank-owned while others would be supported through a franchise scheme,” he said.

“We expect to create a sizeable network of AATCs that will act as the lighthouses to guide the interconnections and flow of trade and investments within continental Africa and between Africa and Caribbean regions,” he added.

The Abuja AATC, which took 41 months to complete, will serve multiple purposes, including housing Afreximbank’s permanent regional office.

It will also feature a technology incubation hub, an SME support facility, a Digital Africa Trade Gateway, conference and exhibition spaces, and a business hotel.

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, delivered remarks on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He emphasized that the AATC aligns with Nigeria’s eight-point agenda focused on job creation, economic diversification, and regional integration.

“The Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre in Abuja marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting strong collaboration between Afreximbank and the Nigerian government to accelerate intra-African trade and shared economic growth,” Akume said.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the AATC as “a milestone for Nigeria and the entire continent,” aligning with the Tinubu administration’s push for macroeconomic stability, private investment, and industrial growth across key sectors.

Hon. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the Centre as a resource for all Africans, especially young innovators, women-led businesses, MSMEs, and exporters. “I speak not only as a minister, but as a partner in Africa’s journey to prosperity,” she said.

Last month, Afreximbank established its first trade center outside Africa in Barbados, marking a new chapter in Africa-Caribbean economic relations.