Online Reporter
Business Reporter
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Group has posted a 19 percent rise in net income to US$1,2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, propelled by strategic portfolio expansion and the first profitable year for recently established subsidiaries.
Total assets and contingencies grew 21 percent to US$48,5 billion, up from US$40,1 billion in 2024, while net loans and advances rose 16 percent to US$33,5 billion, driven by continued disbursements across Africa and the Caribbean in manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.
The non-performing loan ratio remained stable at 2,43 percent (2024: 2,33 percent). Cash and cash equivalents strengthened to US$6,0 billion, with liquid assets representing 14 percent of total assets, above the Bank’s strategic minimum of 10 percent. Shareholders’ funds grew 17 percent to US$8,4 billion.
Gross income increased 6 percent to US$3,5 billion. Operating expenses rose to US$459,2 million from US$367,7 million, reflecting strategic staff expansion and inflationary pressures, yet the cost-to-income ratio stood at 21 percent, well below the strategic ceiling of 30 percent.
Despite concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the Bank raised over US$800 million from Japan and China through Samurai and Panda bonds in 2025, underscoring its fundraising capabilities.
Return on average equity held at 15 percent, while return on average assets improved to 3,04 percent from 2,96 percent.
Commenting on the results, senior executive vice president, Mr Denys Denya, said: “Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the Group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025, a fitting tribute to a decade of consequential leadership under former president Professor Benedict Oramah, with total assets and contingencies reaching US$49 billion.”
He added that the Group was “way ahead on most of its targets” in delivery of its sixth strategic plan, which ends on December 31, 2026. Noting that recently established subsidiaries such as FEDA and AfrexInsure had become profitable, he said net income growth to US$1,2 billion was “underpinned by a strong capital base of US$8,4 billion”.
“The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality,” Mr Denya said. “These results are a testament to the unwavering execution by the Group’s hard working human capital.”
Looking ahead, he said: “We entered 2026 with significant momentum, ready to scale the Group’s impact, accelerate trade integration and value addition across Global Africa, and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”
