(Ecofin Agency) - • Libya now holds shares in Afreximbank, enabling access to project financing
• Move strengthens Libya’s role in regional infrastructure and trade initiatives
• Bank’s shareholder funds rose to $7.5 billion in Q1 2025

Libya has become a full shareholder in the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) following its entry into the bank’s capital. While the transaction amount was not disclosed, the share payment was made on May 13, 2025, granting Libya full shareholder status.

Libya became a member of Afreximbank in October 2024. With this latest step, the country can participate in the bank’s strategic decision-making and gain access to financing for infrastructure and export-related projects.

Afreximbank plans to focus on sectors including infrastructure, oil and gas, and manufactured goods exports. Proposed cross-border initiatives include oil pipelines and roads between Egypt and Libya, as well as electricity interconnection projects involving Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.

“Libya’s shareholding in Afreximbank puts the Bank in a strong position to support the government’s reconstruction efforts while also helping to deepen its regional connectivity through investments in critical projects,” said Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah.

Libya signed the bank’s establishment agreement in October 2024. The move was formalized by Finance Minister Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah, who emphasized trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and broader economic cooperation.

Afreximbank currently has 53 African member states. Somalia was the most recent to join in March. The bank’s capital is divided among four shareholder groups: African states, central banks, regional institutions, and private investors, both African and non-African.

As of the first quarter of 2025, shareholder funds stood at $7.5 billion, up 3.4% from the previous quarter. The increase was driven by $215.4 million in internally generated capital and new share subscriptions.