African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has broken ground on its African Trade Centre (AATC) in Egypt’s New Capital, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s trade facilitation. The centre, which will also serve as the bank’s new global headquarters, is situated in the Diplomatic District, approximately 45 kilometres east of Cairo.
Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr Mostafa Madbouly, attended the ceremony, highlighting the country’s role in driving continental economic integration and trade facilitation. Afreximbank’s President, Dr George Elombi, expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for its support since the bank’s establishment in 1993. He noted that the centre will address the lack of trade and investment information among African businesses, a challenge that has hindered intra-African trade and investment for decades.
The AATC will provide a range of facilities, including a trade information centre, innovation and SME incubation centre, business centre, and conference centre. The complex will occupy a 48,888-square-metre site and feature two basement levels and six floors, with a total gross built-up area of 156,147 square metres. The centre is designed to achieve Gold-level LEED certification or higher, with smart energy-efficient systems, solar power integration, and water-saving technologies.
The project is part of Afreximbank’s broader vision to develop a network of African Trade Centres in strategic commercial hubs across Africa and the Caribbean. The centres will provide trade information, market intelligence, financing, networking, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and drive intra-African growth. The AATC in Cairo is scheduled for completion in early 2029, with similar projects underway in Harare, Kampala, and other locations.
The Afreximbank African Trade Centre network will include hubs in Abuja, Harare, Kampala, Cairo, Abidjan, YaoundƩ, Bridgetown, Kigali, and Tunis. These centres will connect buyers, sellers, suppliers, service providers, enterprises, governments, and financial institutions, facilitating trade and investment across the continent. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during construction and operation, stimulating local economic growth and development.
With a contract value of US$249.5 million, the project has been awarded to Hassan Allam Construction, one of Egypt’s leading engineering and construction companies. The architectural design and project supervision are being led by renowned engineering firm EHAF Consulting Engineers. The AATC in Cairo is a significant step towards enhancing trade facilitation and economic integration in Africa, and its completion is eagerly anticipated.
