The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reported a 2025 profit of US$1.15 billion (about N1.5 trillion), marking an increase from US$973.5 million (N1.3 trillion) recorded in 2024.
The growth was driven by stronger earnings performance, including interest income of about N4.2 trillion, supported by steady expansion in lending activities as loans and advances rose significantly during the year.
According to the bank, total loans and advances increased to N45.7 trillion, compared to N38.9 trillion in the previous year, reflecting continued balance sheet expansion and higher trade finance activity across Africa and the Caribbean.
Non-interest income also improved, with net fees and commissions rising to N252 billion, up from N232 billion, while additional contributions from other operating income, exchange gains, and fair value adjustments further strengthened overall profitability.
Total assets climbed by 19.9 percent year-on-year to approximately N56.7 trillion, largely driven by the expansion of the bank’s lending portfolio.
Loan quality indicators showed relative stability, with Stage 1 loans, representing the bulk of performing assets, increasing to N44.3 trillion. Stage 2 exposures declined to N1.0 trillion, suggesting some improvement in early credit risk trends, while Stage 3 loans rose slightly to N76.8 billion, indicating a marginal increase in impaired assets.
Management attributed the overall portfolio strength to disciplined risk management and structured trade finance operations despite a challenging global economic environment.
On the liability side, total liabilities increased to about N45 trillion, with borrowings rising to N21 trillion to support lending growth. Shareholders’ funds also improved to N11.2 trillion, bolstered by capital raising activities and retained earnings.
During the year, Afreximbank raised over N1.07 trillion (about US$800 million) from international capital markets through Samurai and Panda bond issuances in Japan and China, reinforcing its global funding access.
The bank said the successful fundraising underscores investor confidence in its operations, despite earlier concerns raised by international rating agencies over its credit exposure.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions with rating agency Fitch Ratings, which downgraded the institution in 2025, prompting Afreximbank to terminate its rating relationship in January 2026. The bank now maintains an active relationship only with Moody’s Investors Service among major rating agencies.
Despite these challenges, the bank declared dividends of about N466 billion, alongside a special dividend of N67 billion, reflecting continued returns to shareholders after previous payouts of approximately N403 billion.
Afreximbank said its performance demonstrates resilience amid global economic headwinds, including inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and tighter financial conditions. It noted that its strong capital position and expanding trade finance portfolio continue to support growth across Africa and the Caribbean.
