S&P Global Ratings has assigned African Export-Import Bank a BBB+ long-term issuer credit rating and an A-2 short-term issuer credit rating, with a Stable Outlook. The rating reinforces Afreximbank’s strong financial position and its growing role in supporting trade, industrialisation, and economic development across Africa and the wider Global Africa community.
According to S&P Global Ratings, the rating reflects Afreximbank’s strategic importance, robust enterprise risk profile, and expanding role as a countercyclical institution that supports African economies during periods of regional and global uncertainty. The assessment also highlights the Bank’s policy relevance, shareholder support, and contribution to strengthening economic resilience across the continent.
S&P noted that Afreximbank has played a key role in advancing intra-African trade, supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and developing platforms that promote regional integration. The Bank’s growing capital base and strong lending performance have further strengthened its position as a major development finance institution for Africa.
Between 2015 and 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets expanded from US$7.1 billion to US$42.3 billion, while shareholders’ equity increased from US$1.3 billion to US$8.4 billion. This growth reflects the Bank’s continued ability to mobilize resources and respond to the financing needs of African economies.
Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said the rating is an endorsement of the Bank’s financial strength, stability, international credibility, and strategic importance to Global Africa. He emphasized that Africa’s economic transformation requires bold and deliberate action by the continent and its diaspora.
S&P Global Ratings also recognized Afreximbank’s role in responding to major external shocks, including the global financial crisis, the commodity price downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other periods of heightened uncertainty. The Bank recently announced a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help protect African and Caribbean economies from shocks linked to Middle East conflict.
Afreximbank continues to strengthen trade and investment systems across Africa through initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, the Africa Trade Gateway, the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, trade finance facilities, project finance, institutional support, and advisory services.
The Stable Outlook reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of Afreximbank’s strengthened role as a countercyclical lender, continued shareholder support, and consecutive capital increases. The Bank remains focused on transforming African trade by supporting industrialisation, expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains, and increasing Africa’s participation in global trade.
