By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

Nigeria is set to host the 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Friday, Vincent Musumba, Manager of Communications and Events at Afreximbank, said the meetings would bring together an influential coalition of global, African, and Africa?Caribbean (CARICOM) leaders.

Musumba said the event, themed ?Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,? would focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment, and fostering innovation.

He confirmed that heads of state, prime ministers, top business executives, and renowned academics would be among the key speakers.

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Amb. Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining, are among the confirmed dignitaries.

They would be joined by ministers, central bank governors, investors, and industry leaders from across Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions.

According to Musumba, the meetings aim to advance regional dialogue on key priorities, including the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the enhancement of cross-border payment systems.

They will also focus on strengthening CARICOM economic ties and encouraging private sector participation in policy reforms.

?These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration,? he said.

The statement also quoted Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, who described AAM2025 as a pivotal moment for Africa.

?As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve.

?Following the successful 31st edition held in The Bahamas last year, we return to the African continent for this year?s meetings.

?AAM2025 is about catalysing practical action, building stronger institutions, and unlocking Africa?s full innovation potential. We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support,? Oramah said.

Musumba highlighted that AAM2025 was expected to deliver strong economic benefits in both the short and long term, including trade and investment mobilisation, policy and institutional reforms, and the strengthening of South-South cooperation.

He added that the event Is expected to facilitate major trade and investment deals, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private partnerships.

?These agreements could potentially catalyse billions of dollars in funding for strategic sectors over the next five to ten years.

?With participation from globally renowned economists, scholars, and entrepreneurs, AAM2025 is expected to shape thought leadership on Africa?s development.

?Platforms like this influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness. This year?s meetings will also mark the launch of several new initiatives Musumba said.

?The speaker lineup includes leading global thinkers such as Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and Dr Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

?It also features Africa?s top business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, President/CEO of Dangote Group, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings.

?Other confirmed speakers include Prof. Ghulam Mufti of King?s College London and former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

?AAM2025 is expected to host thousands of participants and media representatives from no fewer than 80 countries. (NAN)

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