Abdalla noted that Egypt is one of the founding members of the bank, hosts its headquarters, and ranks among its largest shareholders through the Central Bank of Egypt.
Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) Hassan Abdalla said Egypt’s relationship with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) represents a long-standing strategic partnership aimed at advancing intra-African trade, industrialization, and economic integration across the continent.
Speaking during a press conference announcing Egypt’s hosting of Afreximbank’s 33rd annual meetings in Al-Alamein next June, Abdalla noted that Egypt is one of the founding members of the bank, hosts its headquarters, and ranks among its largest shareholders through the Central Bank of Egypt.
He said Afreximbank has supported several key sectors in Egypt since its establishment, including the petroleum and gas sector as well as the banking industry.
Abdalla added that Egypt continues to back the bank’s initiatives aimed at deepening African economic integration, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which seeks to facilitate instant cross-border payments in local currencies among African countries.
He also revealed that the Central Bank of Egypt and Afreximbank signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a pan-African gold bank aimed at supporting central bank reserves, strengthening regional integration, and building a more resilient African financial system.
According to Abdalla, Afreximbank has cemented its role in recent years as one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions and a major driver of economic transformation through financing trade, industrial development, and regional integration projects.
He said African economies are moving toward becoming more diversified and resilient despite ongoing global tensions, allowing the continent to better leverage its vast natural and human resources.
Abdalla stressed that Egypt’s support for continental initiatives reflects a long-term strategic commitment to African development and economic cooperation, adding that Egypt’s geographic position strengthens its role as a regional trade and investment hub linking Africa with the Middle East and Europe.
He added that the 2026 annual meetings will serve as a key platform for discussions on the future of economic and financial cooperation in Africa, particularly in areas related to intra-African trade, economic integration, and reform of the global financial system to better serve emerging and African economies.
The meetings are expected to attract more than 3,000 participants from across Africa and the world, with Abdalla noting that Egypt aims to deliver a distinguished edition reflecting its experience in hosting major international events.
He added that the selection of Al-Alamein as host city highlights its growing position as a modern business and investment hub connecting Africa to global markets.
