Cairo: Egypt is set to host the 33rd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in New Alamein City from June 21-24, signaling its commitment to enhancing intra-African trade. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), emphasized the country’s strategic importance in fostering regional integration and advancing African economic priorities during these times of global uncertainty and economic shifts.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdalla highlighted that Egypt’s role as host underscores its dedication to supporting African institutions and driving economic transformation across the continent. The upcoming meetings will act as a strategic platform for policymakers, investors, and financial entities to forge partnerships, develop bankable projects, and secure funding for development initiatives. This aligns with the meeting’s theme, “Intra-African trade and industrialization,” which focuses on reducing dependence on raw materials.

Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, George Elombi, expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for organizing the event. He noted that the bank has established a strong foundation for enhancing intra-African trade over the past decade and stressed the importance of prioritizing the industrialization of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Elombi pointed out the necessity of strengthening regional value chains in the face of global geopolitical uncertainties as the continent prepares for the forthcoming meetings.