Afreximbank has reported a strong start to 2026, posting a 25 percent increase in net income for the first quarter as the pan African trade finance institution continued to expand lending and strengthen its balance sheet despite global economic uncertainty.
According to its latest financial disclosure, the African Export Import Bank recorded net income of 268.9 million US dollars for the three months ending 31 March 2026, up from 215.4 million US dollars in the same period in 2025. Gross income rose to 874.1 million US dollars, compared to 784.9 million US dollars a year earlier, while net interest income surged by 24 percent to 510 million US dollars.
The Bank said its performance was driven by disciplined balance sheet management, improved lending activity and strong cost control. Its cost to income ratio remained at 19 percent, well below its internal ceiling of 30 percent, highlighting operational efficiency even in a tightening global financial environment.
Afreximbank’s total credit exposure increased by 2 percent to 42 billion US dollars, reflecting continued expansion in lending to support trade and infrastructure across Africa and the Caribbean. Average loans and advances reached 32 billion US dollars, representing an 8 percent increase year on year, which helped drive higher interest income.
Despite the growth in exposure, asset quality remained stable. The Bank reported a non performing loan ratio of 2.40 percent, broadly unchanged from 2.43 percent at the end of 2025 and still below industry averages. Liquidity remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents at 5.6 billion US dollars, representing 14 percent of total assets.
Shareholders’ funds rose to 8.6 billion US dollars, supported by retained earnings and new equity contributions, reinforcing the Bank’s capital base as it expands its development financing role across its member countries.
Profitability indicators also improved across the board. Return on average equity rose to 13 percent from 12 percent in the same quarter last year, while return on average assets increased to 2.62 percent compared to 2.38 percent previously. Total interest income grew by 14 percent to 813.6 million US dollars, even as global benchmark rates showed signs of easing.
Senior Executive Vice President Denys Denya said the results reflected strong operational discipline and the Bank’s ability to remain resilient in a volatile global environment. He noted that heightened geopolitical tensions and tight financial conditions had created challenges for many emerging market lenders, but said Afreximbank’s structure allowed it to maintain stability and continue supporting member economies.
Beyond financial performance, the Bank also expanded its crisis response role during the quarter. In March 2026, Afreximbank launched a 10 billion US dollar Gulf Crisis Response Programme designed to help member states absorb external shocks linked to disruptions in global energy and trade flows. The facility is intended to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payments systems, and cushion sectors such as energy, aviation, tourism, fertilisers and food imports.
Denya said the programme underscores Afreximbank’s mandate to act as a countercyclical lender during periods of global instability, adding that the institution is focused on stabilising trade flows and supporting economic transformation across Africa and the Caribbean.
The quarter also marked a major institutional development with South Africa formally ratifying Afreximbank’s Establishment Agreement in February 2026. This move effectively brings one of Africa’s largest economies fully into the Bank’s membership structure, strengthening its continental reach and capacity to mobilise capital for regional development.
Afreximbank continues to play a central role in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area framework through initiatives such as the Pan African Payment and Settlement System, which enables cross border transactions in local currencies, and a 10 billion US dollar adjustment fund aimed at supporting trade integration.
Over the years, the Bank has positioned itself as a key development finance institution driving industrialisation, trade expansion and regional integration. It currently operates alongside subsidiaries including the Fund for Export Development in Africa and AfrexInsure, forming a broader financial group focused on trade related investments and risk mitigation.
As of the end of December 2025, Afreximbank reported total assets and contingencies exceeding 48.5 billion US dollars, supported by shareholder funds of 8.4 billion US dollars. Its strong credit ratings from international agencies continue to reinforce its access to global capital markets.
Looking ahead, the Bank says it will maintain its focus on supporting industrial development, boosting intra African trade and strengthening economic resilience across its member states. With rising global uncertainty and shifting financial conditions, Afreximbank’s leadership believes its countercyclical model will remain critical in sustaining growth across emerging markets.
The Q1 2026 performance reinforces Afreximbank’s position as one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions, combining steady profitability with strategic interventions aimed at stabilising economies and expanding trade capacity across the continent and beyond.
