IN a bold step to reshape Africa’s trade and investment landscape, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially opened its first African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The centre is envisioned as a transformative hub to accelerate intra-African commerce, investment, and innovation across the continent.
During the commissioning ceremony on April 11, high-ranking government officials and African business leaders celebrated what they called a new chapter in economic integration. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, described the launch as a strategic milestone for Africa’s development.
‘The AATC is more than a building—it’s a catalyst for sustainable development, innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa,’ Dr Akume said. ‘It reinforces Afreximbank’s commitment to breaking trade barriers and empowering African enterprises.’
Powering Africa’s integration and growth
The AATC in Abuja will serve as Afreximbank’s permanent regional office and host a suite of facilities, including a trade and exhibition centre, SME incubation labs, a Digital Africa Trade Gateway, conference halls, and a business-class hotel.
The complex features two nine-storey towers—one dedicated to world-class office spaces and trade infrastructure, and the other to hospitality services. It also includes a wellness centre, seminar rooms, restaurants and other amenities tailored to business users. It’s designed to serve African enterprises, policy makers, financiers, and trade stakeholders under one roof.
The structure has been designed to meet gold—and potentially platinum—certification standards under the US Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, placing it among the most environmentally advanced buildings in Nigeria and West Africa.
The first in a pan-African trade network
Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board, Benedict Oramah, revealed that the Abuja AATC is the first in a wider network of trade centres planned across Africa and the diaspora.
‘This is the beginning of a transformative network that will drive interconnectivity between Africa and its diaspora,’ said Oramah. ‘The Abuja AATC is a beacon guiding the future of African trade.’
According to a statement released by Afreximbank, the Abuja AATC is part of a vision to establish similar centres in Kampala, Harare, Cairo, Yaoundé, Tunis, Kigali, and even Bridgetown in Barbados. While some will be Bank-owned, others will be developed through franchising and licensing partnerships with local institutions and development agencies.
‘This centre brings to life a three-decade aspiration of the Bank and reflects what collaborative leadership can achieve,’ Oramah added.
A united front for African prosperity
Over 500 delegates attended the ceremony, including ministers from Barbados, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. Nigerian business leaders Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu were also present, emphasising private sector support for the AATC’s mission.
Dr Akume praised Afreximbank for consistently backing initiatives like the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, PAPSS, and other trade finance programmes that bridge gaps and strengthen African businesses.
‘The AATC fits into Nigeria’s economic diversification plan and job creation targets under our eight-point agenda,’ he noted.
The project, which cost $120 million and took 41 months to complete, was developed by international architectural firm SVA International. The design was inspired by traditional African marketplaces, capturing the energy and commerce of the continent’s urban life.
From vision to reality
With the launch of its flagship trade centre, Afreximbank is signalling a renewed commitment to building infrastructure that supports the continent’s trade ambitions. By enabling access to finance, providing business support facilities, and strengthening regional ties, the Bank aims to turn Africa’s potential into sustainable economic growth.
According to the official Afreximbank statement, ‘The Abuja AATC marks the beginning of a network of Trade Centres designed to connect businesses, governments, and investors across Africa and the diaspora.’
