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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) recorded a 30% increase in net income to $534.7 million in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger lending activity and higher interest and fee income.
The pan-African development finance institution reported the performance in its results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, released on August 24. Net income rose from $412.7 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The result reflects continued expansion in the bank’s financing activities as it supports trade and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.
Lending Portfolio Expands
Afreximbank’s balance sheet expanded during the period, with total assets and contingencies increasing 7.8% to $52.3 billion, compared with $48.5 billion at the end of 2025.
A major contributor to the growth was the bank’s lending portfolio. Net loans and advances rose 5.7% to $35.4 billion, up from $33.5 billion at the close of last year.
The increase in lending provided a stronger base for the bank’s interest earnings during the period.
Interest Income Rises 22%
Net interest income increased by 22% to $1 billion, compared with approximately $840 million in the first half of 2025.
The improvement came as the bank expanded its lending activities, generating additional interest revenue from its financing portfolio.
Fee and commission income also recorded growth, rising 15% to $71.1 million from $61.9 million a year earlier.
The increase was supported by higher income from guarantees, letters of credit and advisory services, indicating that growth extended beyond conventional lending into trade-related financial services.
Profitability Indicators Strengthen
The stronger earnings performance was also reflected in Afreximbank’s profitability ratios.
Return on average shareholders’ equity increased to 13%, compared with 11% in H1 2025, while return on average assets rose to 2.54% from 2.22%.
The improvement suggests that the bank generated stronger returns from both shareholders’ capital and its expanding asset base during the six-month period.
Trade Finance Remains at the Core
Afreximbank’s latest results come as the institution continues to expand financing aimed at strengthening trade across African markets.
Its activities include providing funding and financial instruments for businesses and institutions involved in cross-border commerce, with products covering areas such as trade guarantees, letters of credit and advisory services.
The bank has also been involved in initiatives designed to reduce barriers to intra-African trade and improve the continent’s financial connectivity.
Growth Comes as African Trade Financing Demand Rises
The increase in lending and earnings highlights the continuing demand for trade and development financing across African economies.
For Afreximbank, expanding its balance sheet provides greater capacity to finance businesses and projects while supporting its broader mandate of promoting intra-African and Africa-Caribbean trade.
The performance also strengthens the bank’s financial position as it seeks to play a larger role in financing the continent’s economic integration.
The Bigger Picture
Afreximbank’s first-half performance shows that higher lending activity is translating into stronger earnings, with net income rising by nearly one-third in a year.
The combination of a larger loan book, stronger interest income and higher fees helped push profit to $534.7 million, while improved returns on equity and assets point to stronger profitability.
As African economies pursue greater regional trade and financial integration, the bank’s ability to expand lending while maintaining financial strength will remain central to its role as one of the continent’s major trade-finance institutions.
