# Afreximbank expands trade platforms and financing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afreximbank-strategic-partnerships-in-africa
> Updated: 2026-08-26T13:45:02.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5.

In mid‑July 2026, Afreximbank expanded its development role through human capital and industrial initiatives. On 12 July, the bank signed an MOU with the International Business Development Learning group to launch joint training and certification programmes for African trade leaders. On 24 July, it entered a strategic memorandum with South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), creating an $8 billion financing envelope for manufacturing, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure to support the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Later that month, the bank operationalised its strategy by launching two national platforms under its African Trade and Development Corporation (ATDC) network: one in Zimbabwe with CBZ Agro Yield of CBZ Holdings and another in Malawi with Press Corporation Plc. These platforms aim to aggregate production, promote exports, and provide logistics and structured trade financing. Afreximbank intends to establish seven ATDC structures across Africa by the end of 2026.

On 3 August, the bank completed its largest ever dollar bond issuance, raising $1.5 billion across two tranches to fund continent‑wide trade and industrialisation projects. In the same week, it signed a $190 million financing package with CBZ Bank Limited to support Zimbabwe’s trade, SME, and power sectors.

By late August, Afreximbank reported a 30 per cent increase in net income for the first half of 2026, reaching $534.7 million. This growth was driven by increased lending, with net loans and advances rising to $35.4 billion, alongside an improved non-performing loan ratio of 2.20 per cent.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Afreximbank reports 30% net income rise in H1 2026

Afreximbank's net income rose 30 per cent to 534.7 million dollars in the first half of 2026, supported by increased lending and improved asset quality.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afreximbank-reports-30-net-income-rise-in-h1-2026

### 2026-08-03: Afreximbank raises $1.5 bn bond and backs $190 m Zimbabwe financing

Afreximbank raised $1.5 bn in a record bond sale and secured a $190 m financing package for Zimbabwe, including a $150 m trade‑finance line and a $20 m SME facility.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afreximbank-raises-15-bn-bond-and-backs-190-m-zimbabwe-financing

### 2026-07-31: Afreximbank Launches Trade Platforms in Zimbabwe and Malawi, Announces $8 bn Industrial Finance Deal with South Africa

Afreximbank opened ATDC platforms in Zimbabwe and Malawi and pledged up to $8 bn with South Africa's IDC for industrial and trade projects, targeting key sectors and value‑chain development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afreximbank-launches-trade-platforms-in-zimbabwe-and-malawi-announces-8-bn-industrial-finance-deal-w

### 2026-07-24: Afreximbank and South Africa’s IDC seal $8 billion industrial finance pact

Afreximbank and South Africa’s IDC sign an $8 billion MoU to boost industrial projects across Africa, while the IDC also seeks an equity partner for a luxury resort development off Mozambique’s coast.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afreximbank-and-south-africas-idc-seal-8-billion-industrial-finance-pact

### 2026-07-12: Africexim Bank partners with IBDL to train next generation of African trade leaders

Africexim Bank and IBDL signed an MoU in Cairo to launch joint training programs and certifications aimed at building African trade and manufacturing expertise.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africexim-bank-partners-with-ibdl-to-train-next-generation-of-african-trade-leaders

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Cite as: Afreximbank expands trade platforms and financing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afreximbank-strategic-partnerships-in-africa