The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has cancelled its annual general meeting scheduled to take place in Egypt next week, citing rising Ebola cases in Central Africa and related public health concerns, the bank said on Monday.
The meeting was due to be held in the Egyptian resort city of El Alamein, but will now proceed through correspondence as authorities move to limit international gatherings amid fears of further spread of the virus.
The decision follows a joint precautionary directive by Egypt and the African Union after a recent resurgence of Ebola in the region. The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 782 confirmed cases since an outbreak was declared a month ago, while Uganda has also recorded infections, raising regional alarm over cross-border transmission risks.
In its statement, the bank said the cancellation was made “on public health and safety grounds in light of the evolving health situation in parts of the continent,” adding that Egyptian authorities had also postponed several other international events planned for June.
Afreximbank, which is owned by African governments, regional financial institutions and private investors, emphasized that essential shareholder business would continue through remote processes to ensure continuity of operations despite the disruption.
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The bank plays a central role in financing trade and supporting industrialisation across Africa, and its annual meetings typically bring together policymakers, financiers, and private sector stakeholders to discuss regional economic integration and investment priorities.
Health authorities in affected countries have stepped up containment measures, including surveillance, contact tracing, and movement restrictions in high-risk areas. The World Health Organization has also been supporting response efforts, particularly in border regions where cross-border transmission is a concern.
The cancellation comes as African governments and multilateral institutions face renewed pressure to balance economic activity with public health safeguards, particularly for high-profile international gatherings that draw large numbers of delegates from multiple countries.
Earlier this year, other regional financial meetings proceeded despite proximity to affected areas, highlighting the ongoing tension between maintaining economic coordination and managing outbreak risks.
Analysts say the decision by Afreximbank reflects a more cautious stance by major African institutions following lessons learned from previous outbreaks, where delays in containment were linked to rapid regional spread.
Egyptian authorities have not yet provided detailed information on the number of events postponed, but officials say precautionary measures are being taken in coordination with continental health agencies.
The bank is expected to release further updates on its governance calendar in the coming weeks as the public health situation evolves.
