Cairo, Egypt — August 27, 2025 — The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has had its A- issuer credit rating with a stable outlook reaffirmed by the Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR), reinforcing the Bank’s standing in international capital markets.
JCR said the rating reflects Afreximbank’s strong strategic positioning, robust risk management framework, consistent profitability, prudent liquidity policies, and resilient capital base. The agency also highlighted the Bank’s systemic role in financing trade and driving economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.
Despite global macroeconomic headwinds and potential pressures in its operating environment, JCR noted that it expects Afreximbank’s rating to remain stable over the next 12 to 18 months.
Reacting to the announcement, Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, said the affirmation enhances the Bank’s credibility and strengthens its ability to diversify funding sources.
“JCR’s rating underscores our strong fundamentals and prudent risk management practices,” Denya said. “It strengthens our ability to diversify our funding sources, including tapping into Japan’s capital markets, to further advance our mandate of promoting and financing intra- and extra-African trade.”
He added that the Bank’s consistent delivery, even during turbulent periods, has been a key driver of its strong credit profile. “This rating is a testament to the Bank’s resilience and strategic focus, enabling us to mobilise resources to drive trade and development in Africa and the Caribbean.”
The affirmation is expected to bolster investor confidence and support Afreximbank’s efforts to expand its global funding base. It comes on the heels of the Bank’s successful debut in Japan’s debt market in 2024, when it issued a Samurai bond worth JPY 81.3 billion (US$530 million).
The transaction, which attracted strong demand from a broad pool of Japanese institutional investors, underscored Afreximbank’s growing international appeal and ability to secure innovative financing solutions.
With JCR’s reaffirmation, Afreximbank is set to further consolidate its position as a leading African development finance institution, capable of mobilising global resources to accelerate trade integration and economic transformation across Africa and beyond.
