Afreximbank delivers strong half-year 2026 performance, driven by robust growth and profitability

African Export-Import Bank and its subsidiaries, “the Group”, delivered a strong financial performance for the six months ended 30 June 2026, underscoring the resilience of its business model and continued support towards trade and economic development activities across Africa and the Caribbean.

The Group’s total assets and contingencies increased by 7.8% to $52.3 billion, up from $48.5 billion at 31 December 2025.

This growth was primarily driven by expansion in the Bank’s lending activities, with net loans and advances increasing by 5.7% to $35.4 billion, compared with $33.5 billion at the end of 2025.

Afreximbank maintained sound asset quality, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of  2.20% at the end of the first half of 2026 compared to 2.43% at year-end 2025, reflecting prudent risk management.

The Group also maintained a sound liquidity position, with liquid assets accounting for 13% of total assets, comfortably within its strategic target range of 10% to 15%.

Shareholders’ funds increased to $8.5 billion from $8.4 billion at the end of 2025, supported by $534.7 million in internally generated profits, and $13.9 million in new equity raised during the period.

The Group recorded a significant increase in earnings, with net interest income rising by 22% to $1.0 billion, compared with $0.84 billion during the corresponding period in 2025. In addition, fee and commission income increased by 15% to $71.1 million, up from $61.9 million in H1’2025, supported by higher fees earned from guarantees, letters of credit and advisory services.

As a result, net income reached $534.7 million, representing a 30% increase from $412.7 million recorded in the first half of 2025.

Profitability indicators showed further improvement, with return on average shareholders’ equity rising to 13%, compared with 11% in H1’2025, while return on average assets increased to 2.54% from 2.22% over the same period.

Operational efficiency remained strong, with the cost-to-income ratio at a healthy level of 20% compared to 19% for H1’2025, despite higher personnel expenses and persistent inflationary pressures.

Further strengthening its funding profile, Afreximbank successfully completed a $1.5 billion dual-tranche bond issuance after the reporting period. The transaction, the largest international debt capital markets issuance in the Bank’s history, comprised a $750 million 5.5-year tranche and a $750 million 10-year tranche.

The offering was approximately two times oversubscribed, highlighting strong investor confidence and reinforcing the Bank’s capacity to support its strategic growth objectives.