Tinubu Commissions Afreximbank Trade Centre, Urges Stronger Intra-African Collaboration

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, calling for deeper regional integration, expanded trade corridors, and increased support for small and women-led businesses to build a more prosperous Africa.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu described the AATC as a major step toward achieving Nigeria’s 8-point development agenda, particularly in areas such as job creation, economic diversification, and digital transformation.

He emphasized the need for Africa to reduce reliance on imports and embrace digital tools to ease cross-border trade. “The AATC aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities,” Tinubu said, noting Afreximbank’s efforts, including the disbursement of over $20 billion in trade finance, with plans to double that by 2026.

Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah revealed that the Abuja AATC is the first of several centres planned across Africa and the Caribbean. The facility will house the bank’s permanent regional office and feature a tech incubation hub, SME support facility, digital trade gateway, conference spaces, and a business hotel.

“The Abuja AATC marks a 41-month journey of vision and determination. It will serve as a trade and investment lighthouse for Africa and the Caribbean,” Oramah said, adding that similar centres would soon open in Harare, Kampala, Cairo, and Yaoundé.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the centre will empower African youths, entrepreneurs, women, and exporters by offering them greater access to tools and opportunities to compete globally.

The Abuja AATC consists of two interconnected nine-storey towers located on 4th Avenue, Central Business District, symbolizing a modern hub for driving the continent’s trade ambitions under the AfCFTA framework.