The African Export-Import Bank has reported solid first-quarter results for 2026, driven by higher interest income, expanded lending activity and stable asset quality, even as global economic and geopolitical pressures weighed on financial markets.
The group’s total assets stood at US$41.7 billion as of 31 March 2026, slightly below the US$42.3 billion recorded at the end of FY2025, according to results released by the institution. Shareholders’ funds strengthened to $8.6 billion, supported by internally generated capital and new equity contributions during the period.
The bank said it continued to expand its lending operations in the first quarter, with total credit exposure rising 2 percent to US$42 billion. Average loans and advances increased 8 percent year-on-year to US$32 billion, supporting growth in interest income and reinforcing its role as a key trade finance institution for Africa and the Caribbean.
Profitability improved during the period, with profit rising to US$268.9 million, compared with US$215.4 million in Q1 2025. Gross income increased to US$874.1 million from US$784.9 million, while net interest income climbed 24 percent to US$510 million.
The African Export-Import Bank said its performance reflected “disciplined balance-sheet management” and strong capital buffers amid continued global uncertainty, tighter financial conditions and geopolitical risks.
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The bank’s non-performing loan ratio remained stable at 2.40 percent, broadly in line with the 2.43 percent recorded at the end of 2025, while liquidity remained strong with cash and cash equivalents representing 14 percent of total assets.
Capital adequacy was maintained at 23 percent, in line with internal targets, while return on average equity improved to 13 percent from 12 percent and return on average assets rose to 2.62 percent from 2.38 percent.
Afreximbank also highlighted its counter-cyclical interventions during the quarter, including the launch of a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme designed to cushion member states against spillovers from the Gulf crisis.
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The facility aims to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payment systems, and address supply disruptions in critical sectors such as energy, aviation, tourism, fertilisers and food.
According to the bank, the programme underscores its mandate to act as a stabilising force during periods of economic stress while continuing to support trade flows and industrial development across its member countries.
“The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate,” said Denys Denya.
He added that the institution remained focused on easing liquidity pressures, stabilising trade flows and supporting Africa’s broader economic transformation agenda.
During the period, regional integration efforts also advanced following South Africa’s ratification of Afreximbank’s establishment agreement, giving the bank full continental coverage and expanding its membership base.
Analysts say the results reflect the resilience of African development finance institutions, which continue to play a growing role in providing counter-cyclical funding and sustaining trade amid global volatility.
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Despite a slight decline in total assets from the previous year-end, the bank maintained stable fundamentals, supported by strong capitalisation, low impairment levels and consistent earnings growth.
Afreximbank said it would continue to prioritise trade finance, infrastructure support and crisis-response mechanisms as part of its broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience across Africa and the Caribbean.
