African Export-Import Bank’s net income rose 24% in the first nine months of 2026 as increased lending and higher interest earnings boosted profitability, while the lender expanded its balance sheet to support trade and investment across Africa and the Caribbean.
Net income climbed to US$813.5 million in the nine months ended Sept. 30, from US$654.3 million a year earlier, the bank said in a statement released on Monday. Gross income increased 11% to US$2.7 billion, while net interest income rose 15% to US $1.5 billion.
The growth came as demand for trade and project financing lifted average loan balances to US$34.8 billion from US$28.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Interest income increased 9.1% to US$2.4 billion.
Total assets and contingencies rose 12% to US$54.1 billion from US$48.5 billion at the end of 2025. Net loans and advances increased 8% to US$36.2 billion, reflecting the expansion of the bank’s financing activities.
The lender maintained tight control over operating costs, with its cost-to-income ratio improving to 20% from 21% a year earlier, well below its strategic ceiling of 30%. Return on average shareholders’ equity stood at 12%, while return on average assets increased to 2.48% from 2.34%.
“This performance underscores Afreximbank’s ability to deliver strong and sustainable performance while continuing to fulfil its development mandate across Africa and the Caribbean,” Denys Denya, the bank’s senior executive vice president, said.
The results point to continued earnings growth as the institution expands its role in financing regional trade, industrialisation and infrastructure, even as global economic and geopolitical uncertainties weigh on markets.
Asset quality remained broadly stable. The non-performing loan ratio edged up to 2.48% from 2.43% at the end of December 2025, while provisions for expected credit losses increased to US$537.6 million from US$481.3 million a year earlier.
The bank’s liquid assets totalled $6.1 billion, equivalent to 13% of total assets, down from 15% at the end of 2025. Its capital adequacy ratio declined to 22% from 23%, while shareholders’ funds increased to US$9 billion from US$8.4 billion.
The increase in shareholders’ funds was supported by internally generated profits and $195.2 million in new equity contributions under the bank’s general capital increase programme.
Afreximbank also raised US$1.5 billion through a dual-tranche bond issuance in July, comprising US$750 million of 5.5-year notes and US$750 million of 10-year notes. The transaction was about twice oversubscribed, according to the bank.
Debt securities in issue consequently increased to US$4.4 billion from US $3.4 billion at the end of 2025, helping diversify the lender’s funding sources.
The bank also established a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to provide liquidity support, maintain trade and payment flows, and help member countries secure essential imports, including energy products, fertilisers and food.
Its high-impact investments rose 23% to US$1.6 billion from $1.3 billion at the end of 2025, supporting projects aimed at strengthening industrial capacity, trade competitiveness and economic resilience.
The expansion underscores Afreximbank’s efforts to combine commercial growth with its development mandate, providing financing and trade support to economies seeking to strengthen regional value chains and reduce vulnerabilities to external shocks.
