Cairo: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa's leading multilateral financial institution, celebrated a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Egypt's New Capital. This facility will also become the Bank's new global headquarters.According to African Press Organization, the Afreximbank African Trade Centre, located approximately 45 kilometers east of Cairo in the Diplomatic District, will be the first of its kind in North Africa. This modern environment will bring together government ministries, foreign embassies, and international organizations. Egypt's Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, emphasized Egypt's role in driving continental economic integration and trade facilitation during the ceremony.Afreximbank's President, Dr. George Elombi, expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for supporting the Bank since its establishment in 1993. He highlighted Egypt's significant contribution to the Bank's growth and noted that Egypt is the largest sovereign shareholder of Afreximbank, represented by its Central Bank. Dr. Elombi mentioned that the AATC aims to address the longstanding challenge of insufficient trade and investment information among African businesses.The new Afreximbank headquarters will enhance Egypt's position as a major trade hub, featuring technology and SME incubation centers, a digital African trade gateway, and various digital services. The AATC in Cairo is part of a broader vision to establish African Trade Centres in strategic hubs across Africa and the Caribbean, providing essential facilities to accelerate trade and economic cooperation.The development, occupying a 48,888-square-metre site, will consist of two basement levels and six floors, with a total built-up area of 156,147 square meters. It will offer 57,298 square meters of office space for Afreximbank's expanding workforce and other trade-related agencies and diplomatic missions.The complex will include a trade information center, a library, an innovatio n center, a business center, an aparthotel, a conference center, an exhibition center, retail outlets, and ample parking. The architectural design features interconnected blocks, green courtyards, and collaborative spaces, aiming for Gold-level LEED certification with energy-efficient systems and climate-responsive design.Hassan Allam Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the project, under a US$249.5 million contract, with EHAF Consulting Engineers leading the architectural design and supervision. The project is expected to generate significant employment and opportunities for local contractors and service providers.Scheduled for completion in early 2029, the AATC in Cairo follows similar projects in Barbados, Abuja, Harare, and Kampala, forming part of a network of trade centers across Africa and the Caribbean. These Centers will connect various stakeholders in the African and global trade and investment community.
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