Afreximbank Net Income Rises 25% in Q1 2026

The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reported a 25 percent increase in net income for the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong lending activities, disciplined balance sheet management, and improved profitability.

According to a statement by Communications Manager Vincent Musumba, the Group expanded lending during the quarter, with total credit exposure rising two percent to $42 billion compared to $41 billion at the end of 2025. Average loans and advances grew eight percent year‑on‑year to $32 billion, boosting interest income.

Liquidity remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents valued at $5.6 billion, representing 14 percent of total assets. Asset quality also held firm, with the non‑performing loan ratio at 2.40 percent, broadly in line with 2025 levels and below the industry average.

Shareholders’ funds increased to $8.6 billion, up from $8.4 billion at the end of 2025, driven by internally generated capital of $268.9 million and new equity investments. Net interest income rose 24 percent to $510 million, while total interest income climbed 14 percent to $813.6 million.

The bank maintained a strong capital adequacy ratio of 23 percent and an efficient cost‑to‑income ratio of 19 percent, well below its strategic ceiling of 30 percent. Profit for the period rose to $268.9 million, compared with $215.4 million in Q1 2025.

Senior Executive Vice‑President Denys Denya said the results reflected resilience amid global uncertainty.

“Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical risks and tight financial conditions, the Group delivered a resilient first‑quarter performance,” he noted.

Denya added that disciplined balance sheet management, sound asset quality, and strong capital buffers underpinned the growth.

“The increase in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate,” he said.