The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has chosen Ghana as the host country for its upcoming 30th anniversary celebration and Annual Meetings. The decision was made due to Ghana’s historical significance as the birthplace of Pan-Africanism and its strong commitment to Pan-African ideals. Additionally, Ghana’s prompt response to Afreximbank’s capital call in 2021, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, played a significant role in the selection process.
The 30th anniversary celebration, themed ‘Delivering the Vision: Building Prosperity for Africans’, will mark the First Gathering of Global Africa – where participating African states will welcome new participants from the Caribbean. The event aims to bring together Africans from various regions including Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and Asia. In addition to the bank’s shareholders, the gathering will feature African leaders, government officials, ministers, central bank governors and CEOs of major banks; and representatives from non-bank private and public sector institutions and NGOs. It is expected that over 3,000 participants will converge in Accra to celebrate this milestone.
Speaking at the Pre-AAM2023 Press Engagement in Accra, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman-Board of Directors, Afreximbank, expressed his expectations for the event. He highlighted the strong participation anticipated from the Caribbean Community, including prime ministers, government officials, corporate leaders and members of the Diaspora Community from around the world. Prof. Oramah also emphasised involvement by the African Union (AU), AfCFTA secretariat and representatives from academic institutions, international organisations and other regions worldwide.
Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State at the finance ministry, expressed Ghana’s pride in hosting Afreximbank and its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the privileged host of the AfCFTA secretariat. He acknowledged the challenges faced by African economies, and the importance of trade in promoting economic dynamism and transformation. Mr. Adam highlighted Afreximbank’s role in addressing these challenges and its growth as an institution with significant assets and a robust network.
The Annual Meeting and 30th Anniversary celebration will provide an opportunity for Africans to renew their dedication to the vision of building shared prosperity. The event will also serve as a platform for discussing key issues in trade and finance on the continent, with strategic dialogues and breakout sessions planned.
Ghana is eagerly preparing to ensure the event’s success, with arrangements being made for security, health, transportation, accommodation and related protocol services. The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) has been designated as the venue for the meetings.
President Akufo-Addo, will deliver the opening ceremony’s keynote address, reflecting his commitment to building African institutions for African solutions. The Afreximbank team, led by Prof Benedict Oramah, expressed gratitude to Ghana for hosting the event and warmly welcomed all participants.
The 30th anniversary celebration and Annual Meetings of Afreximbank promise to be an exciting and transformative event, showcasing Ghana’s rich culture and providing a platform for meaningful policy discussions aimed at advancing economic integration and shared prosperity in Africa.
