The federal government and African Export-Import Bank on Tuesday signed the agreement for Nigeria to host the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings.

Speaking at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025 Signing Ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said President Bola Tinubu approved the hosting.

“We are, therefore, delighted to work with Afreximbank management and give them our full support,” Mr Edun said.

He commended Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Africa and Nigeria’s economic growth and improving their healthcare infrastructure.

“We are all aware of the range of innovative financing programmes and solutions offered by Afreximbank over the years. It is indeed a factory of financial innovation, imagination, creativity and delivery, and I think in the financial sector that is the most important.

“The president of Afreximbank has positioned the bank among its peers as one of the most respected and valued banks on the continent, with a passion for uplifting the continent’s economy. 

“Under the leadership of Afreximbank president, they have significantly contributed to the country’s development in key projects. Nigeria appreciates the support the country gets from Afreximbank,” the minister said.

Mr Edun noted that one of the bank’s initiatives, the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, would reduce medical tourism.

He said the medical centre will commence operations soon, provide comprehensive healthcare services, and address healthcare capacity gaps in the country and West Africa.

Benedict Oramah, the president and chairman of the board of directors of Afreximbank, described the upcoming 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place in Abuja in June, as a landmark event for the bank and the continent.

“The meetings will provide an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s economic progress over the past three decades and discuss strategies for the future. The discussions will focus on navigating economic challenges, including geopolitical tensions, global trade shifts, and Africa’s place in an increasingly protectionist global economy.

“The meetings will also mark a transition in the bank’s leadership, as he prepared to step down after 31 years of service and ten years as president. I am confident that the event will produce a strong successor to lead the bank into the future,” he said.

(NAN)