Shaping Africa's Conversations at the UNGA 79

As the world convened in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Afreximbank was actively engaged in discussions shaping Africa's global narrative. In this edition, we highlight the key activities Afreximbank participated in on the sidelines of this significant event.

HIGHLIGHTS

A New Era Beckons: Global Africa Gateway Launch

The Global Africa Gateway, aimed at boosting trade, culture, and investment between Africa and its Diaspora, was launched at The Africa Center in New York. Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah emphasised its goal of uniting the global African community for shared prosperity. The launch marks a new chapter in fostering collaboration and growth. READ MORE: English , WATCH

The Untold Story of Africa's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Africa united to combat COVID-19, securing 400 million vaccine doses through the historic AVATT initiative, also supporting the Caribbean. Carol Pineau moderated a panel discussion with Prof. Okey Oramah, Dr. Vera Songwe, Strive Masiyiwa, and Dr. John Nkengasong to celebrate this ground-breaking response. The event also featured remarks from H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, and it highlighted Africa’s strengths through unity and innovation, along with the launch of the book Riding the Storm: The Untold Story of Africa’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. READ MORE: English , WATCH

Calls for African Unity

At the Global Africa Business Initiative , Unstoppable Africa event, Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah addressed Africa’s challenges of fragmentation and division, which perpetuate dependency. He stressed the need for unity and collaboration among African nations to build a self-reliant and prosperous continent. WATCH

African Diaspora: A Global Force Shaping Innovation

Afreximbank EVP Mrs Kanayo Awani joined Meta's Kojo Boakye in a chat that Amb. Rama Yade was moderating at the Global Future Forum. The discussion highlighted the African diaspora's role in driving technological innovation and the creative economy. Mrs Awani showcased Afreximbank’s support for the creative sector through initiatives like CANEX Book and Music Factory to bridge funding gaps and strengthen ties between Africa and its diaspora. READ MORE: English

Focus on Sustainable Development

President Prof. Benedict Oramah and EVP Mrs Kanayo Awani of Afreximbank led the start of a significant week at UNGA79. Prof. Oramah delivered a keynote address at a key session organised by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) in partnership with Nuveen, titled “Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities: Achieving SDG 11 Together,” emphasising the bank's commitment to sustainable development.

Strengthening Africa-Caribbean Partnerships

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, and EVP Kanayo Awani met with St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew in New York to explore investment opportunities. They emphasised enhancing Africa-Caribbean ties through trade, finance, and strategic partnerships. Afreximbank is committed to fostering sustainable collaborations for mutual growth.

Afreximbank Strengthens Africa-Caricom Ties

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, met with Mr. Rodinald Soomer , CEO of Caricom Development Fund, to explore strengthening Africa-Caricom relations. As the first Caribbean institution holding Afreximbank shares, the Caricom Development Fund will partner in key sectors, boosting cross-border trade and investment.

Haiti Joins Afreximbank as the 12th CARICOM Partner.

Haiti has become the 12th CARICOM nation to join Afreximbank's partnership, formalised at the Haitian Investment Forum during UNGA79. Dr. Garry Conille, the president of Haiti's Afreximbank, and Prof. Benedict Oramah signed the agreement. READ MORE: English , Fran?ais

Strengthening Ties with Sudan

Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah met with the President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan, His Excellency Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, to discuss increasing the Bank’s support for Sudan, particularly in the power sector. Prof. Oramah highlighted ongoing development projects and emphasised Afreximbank's commitment to Sudan’s economic recovery.

Empowering African Female Entrepreneurs

At #UNGA79, Afreximbank’s Managing Director of Export Development, Division, Ms. Oluranti Doherty , addressed the African Business Stories Roundtable on strategies to boost African female entrepreneurs. She identified key barriers—limited access to finance, markets, and skills—and highlighted Afreximbank's initiatives like #impactHER, which provide women with funding, market opportunities, and skill development. Programmes like Creative Africa Nexus - CANEX and Intra-African Trade Fair IATF support women in creative industries and intra-African trade, fuelling Africa’s growth. READ MORE: English

Tackling Africa’s Energy Challenges

At a UNGA79 event on "Powering Africa: Tackling the Energy Trilemma and Climate Change," hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa, Afreximbank’s Deputy Chief Economist, Sampawende Jules Tapsoba, PhD , stressed the need for secure, affordable, and green energy to drive Africa’s growth. He highlighted Afreximbank’s efforts to de-risk private financing for energy projects and support the continent's shift to sustainable energy. The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, presided over the discussion.

OTHERS

Webinar Highlights: Data Integrity in Vaccine Manufacturing

On September 26, 2024, we held a successful webinar on "Ensuring Data Integrity in Vaccine Manufacturing: A Dive into ALCOA+ Principles for GMP Compliance." Dr. Ayorinde James, Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, shared key insights on the ALCOA+ principles and their critical role in maintaining data integrity to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. He provided practical strategies for implementation and discussed the latest regulatory expectations.

Did you know? ?C?te d’Ivoire and Ghana are the world’s largest cocoa-producing countries, accounting for nearly 60% of global cocoa output!?As the backbone of cocoa production, these nations continue to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and trade in Africa.?

LEARN MORE: Afreximbank African Commodity Index (AACI) H1-2024