By Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Government (FG) today commissioned the $120 billion Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja. The centre aims to unite the Nigerian, African, and global trade and investment ecosystem, creating a network to tap into business opportunities in Nigeria.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, officiated the event. He said Afreximbank’s interventions have disbursed over $20 billion in trade finance to boost intra-African trade, with plans to double this by 2026.
The bank also intends to support industrial parks, special economic zones, manufacturing, export capacity, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
“The AATC located in Abuja represents another milestone in this journey and aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s strategic priorities under the Federal Government’s eight-point agenda, particularly in job creation, economic diversification, and regional integration,” Akume stated.
“As we commission this remarkable edifice today, let us renew our resolve to build a stronger, more interconnected, and prosperous Africa. To achieve these goals, we must unlock new trade corridors, reduce dependence on imports, empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses through access to markets and finance, and harness digital technology to streamline cross-border trade and reduce inefficiencies.”
He assured support for initiatives driving inclusive growth, digital transformation, and sustainable industrialisation. Earlier, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, noted that the centre would speed up the AfCFTA Agreement’s implementation.
“This centre will support research and data to guide sound policy. It will serve as a knowledge base and policy anchor for the accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, helping Nigerian businesses unlock the full promise of this historic agreement,” he said.
Dr Robert Tomusange, Director and Global Head of Real Estate and Administration at Afreximbank, explained that the bank plans to establish AATCs in commercial capitals across Africa and the Caribbean, including Abuja, Abidjan, Harare, Barbados, Cairo, Lusaka, Yaoundé, Kigali, and Kampala.
“The AATCs are landmark business complexes and hubs that will house Afreximbank’s trade capabilities in a network of iconic locations—giving stakeholders access to integrated trade services, critical data, as well as opportunities to network and form partnerships,” he said.
He added that the Abuja AATC positions Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, as the trade and investment gateway to Africa. It will offer a one-stop shop for trade information, services, and finance, linking Nigerian, African, and global buyers, sellers, SMEs, governments, and financial institutions to enhance trade and investment regionally and worldwide.