By Seth KRAMPAH, Cairo, Egypt
The Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Hassan Abdalla, has announced that preparations are well underway for the country to host the 33rd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in New Alamein City this June.
He explained that the meetings, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, will coincide with the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit and the African Business Forum, making Egypt the centre of continental dialogue on trade, industrialization, and financial cooperation.
Mr Abdalla made these statements at a media briefing in Cairo, Egypt, recently, ahead of the 33rd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank, scheduled for June 21-24 in Egypt.
He stated that Egypt’s relationship with Afreximbank was both strategic and foundational, noting that the Central Bank of Egypt is the Bank’s largest shareholder and host of its headquarters. He stressed that this partnership was built on a shared vision of advancing African trade and industrialisation, while expanding economic cooperation among nations. He recalled that Afreximbank’s activities in Egypt had supported vital sectors, including finance and oil and gas, since its inception.
The Governor highlighted Egypt’s support for Afreximbank’s initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which facilitates instant payments in local currencies, and the MANSA platform, which enhances transparency and information exchange.
He added that the Central Bank of Egypt had signed a memorandum of understanding with Afreximbank to establish a pan-African Gold Bank, aimed at strengthening reserves of central banks and building a robust continental economic system.
He emphasised that Afreximbank had become one of Africa’s most impactful financial institutions, driving transformation through trade finance, industrial development, regional integration, and innovative financing.
He noted that the Bank had played a central role in strengthening Africa’s voice within the international financial architecture and advancing priorities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He observed that Africa was moving at an accelerated pace toward building diversified and resilient economies, unlocking the value of its resources, and harnessing its demographic dividend.
He explained that Egypt’s support for these priorities reflected its strategic objective of fostering African economic ties, given its geographic position at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
He added that Egypt’s resilience, demonstrated through strengthened foreign exchange buffers and structural reforms, underscored its commitment to macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
He described the 2026 Annual Meetings as a premier platform for dialogue on the future of African economic cooperation, with more than 3,000 participants expected. He expressed appreciation to Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi for selecting the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty”, which he said reflected a conscious vision of shaping a more integrated and sustainable African future.
He stressed that the meetings were not merely a conference but a strategic milestone in Africa’s collective journey toward integration and sovereignty. He explained that preparations were progressing at an accelerated pace through close coordination between the Central Bank of Egypt, Afreximbank, and national authorities, with joint teams working across organisational, logistical, technical, security, and protocol tracks.
He noted that Egypt was committed to delivering a distinguished edition of the Annual Meetings, building on its proven capability in hosting major international events, including the Afreximbank Annual Meetings in 2022.
He explained that the choice of New Alamein City reflected its strategic status as a link between Africa, the Mediterranean, and global markets, while also showcasing Egypt’s efforts to develop modern economic hubs that attract investment and tourism.
He reaffirmed the essential role of the media in enhancing awareness of Africa’s potential and challenges, urging journalists to highlight the continent’s growing ability to shape its own development path and contribute to reforming the global financial architecture.
He concluded by assuring that the Central Bank of Egypt, in collaboration with Afreximbank, would ensure that the 33rd Annual Meetings are organised to the highest standards, marking the event as exceptional and reflective of Africa’s vision for integration, prosperity, and resilience.
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