Events

Afreximbank annual meetings Abuja to unveil billion-dollar trade deals

Published

1 year ago

June 21, 2025

Afreximbank annual meetings Abuja to host global leaders, unveil trade deals, and drive Africa-CARICOM integration and AfCFTA implementation

Afreximbank annual meetings Abuja are set to convene an influential global audience from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Nigeria’s capital.

Also read: $200m Afreximbank fund to boost Nigeria’s creative economy from June 2025

The 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank, AAM2025, will bring together over 80 countries to accelerate trade, unlock investment, and shape the future of Africa’s economic architecture.

Held under the theme *“Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,”* the summit will feature heads of state, Caribbean and African ministers, central bank governors, business moguls, and renowned academics.

According to Vincent Musumba, Afreximbank’s Communications Manager, the gathering will drive regional dialogue around critical trade issues, including the African Continental Free Trade Area and cross-border payment systems.

Among the high-profile attendees are President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Amb. Albert Muchanga of the African Union, and top executives such as Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu. Global scholars like Prof. Jeffrey Sachs and Dr Kishore Mahbubani are also confirmed to speak.

The Afreximbank meetings are expected to catalyse public-private partnerships and foster the signing of several memoranda of understanding. These agreements could unlock billions of dollars for strategic sectors in the coming decade.

“These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration,” Musumba said, stressing the importance of private sector input in policy reform.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, described AAM2025 as a turning point for Africa amid global economic headwinds. He thanked the Nigerian government for its support in hosting the meetings, which return to Africa after a successful outing in The Bahamas.

“With platforms like this, we influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness,” Oramah noted. “AAM2025 is about catalysing practical action, building stronger institutions, and unlocking Africa’s full innovation potential.”

The forum will also spotlight Africa-CARICOM economic ties and introduce new initiatives designed to mobilise South-South cooperation.

In addition to its immediate economic value, AAM2025 is projected to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring institutional reforms, promoting inclusive growth, and elevating Africa’s trade profile on the global stage.

Also read: Nigerian creative economy budget boosted by $200 million Afreximbank investment

With thousands of delegates and media representatives expected, the Afreximbank annual meetings Abuja will not only showcase Nigeria’s diplomatic readiness but also position Africa as a centre of ideas, partnerships, and progress.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.