General
Afreximbank, EU Investment Bank to Finance €300m COVID-19 Response
By Adedapo Adesanya
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s lending arm, are directing €300 million to finance the flexibility and recovery support of African countries in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Afreximbank on Wednesday, explaining that the money will guarantee companies across the continent the working capital to maintain jobs and maintain vital imports.
The support package is the first expedited COVID-19 response to the entire sub-Saharan region under the European Investment Bank’s European Team Initiative – a € 6.7 billion package, to help the most vulnerable and vulnerable countries respond to the immediate health crisis, mitigate social and economic impacts and build resilience for the future.
Support for sub-Saharan Africa is organized with Afreximbank in two parts, with the package reallocating €200 million of funds previously earmarked for trade-related investments, specifically channelled to sectors most affected by the epidemic.
Realizing the urgent need for support, Afreximbank and EIB are also pumping an additional €100 million into the package, according to the statement.
Giving reasons for this, it stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented negative impact on African economies, just as it has on countries around the world as manufacturing in the global supply chains is disrupted.
It noted that remittances from migrants to some of the world’s poorest economies have dwindled, leaving the most vulnerable groups in those markets worsening the difficulties.
As a result, many African economies suffer from serious weaknesses including liquidity pressure, the risks of defaults in trade payments and financial challenges, as well as reductions in foreign direct investment, long-term financing, and portfolio flows.
Part of the support package will be targeted to enable cross-border trade in medical supplies and equipment needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, the support package will provide financing for long-term investments in commercial expansion, helping both commodity availability and growth in the economic boom and will also support the member states participating in the African Bank, including part of the Cotonou Agreement in sub-Saharan Africa.
The statement pointed out that there are two main areas of focus in Africa on women in business and the green revolution. As a result, it will target part of the business package owned or run by women.
In addition, at least 25 per cent of the funds earmarked will be allocated in the partnership framework for green projects, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change adaptation measures.
Afreximbank also explained that part of the funds will support factory redesign to manufacture personal protective equipment and other materials, through the African Medical Supplies platform, a digital platform promoted by Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Africa, Afreximbank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union Envoy, Mr Strive Masiyiwa.
Quoting Mr Benedict Urama, President of Afreximbank, “As continental neighbours, Europe and Africa must stand together against the global epidemic. The funding announced today is welcome not only because it meets an urgent need, but because it is being published quickly.
“With the combined expertise of Afreximbank and the European Investment Bank, support will quickly reach the most affected and will be carefully designed to have the greatest impact on post-epidemic recovery.
“Moreover, the package’s support for green projects will help push Africa towards a sustainable economy for the future and all the opportunities it presents,” according to the head of the African Export Bank.
On the part of the EIB, Vice President Ambroise Fyol added, “Once again, the European Investment Bank is strengthening our close cooperation with Afreximbank to open high impact investments by companies across Africa.
“A total of €300 million was saved as a direct result of the Fast Track and Global Response support from the European Investment Bank as part of the Europe team.”
He continued: “The European Investment Bank Board agreed to increase funding with existing partners to provide an immediate response quickly.
“This new financing will work with Afreximbank to open up medical investment and ensure that investment in climate action does not delay to reduce energy use and emissions.”
Under the 2018 agreement, EIB and Afreximbank have already pumped some of the €200 million previously earmarked for projects that now support African countries ’resilience to the epidemic.
These include programs to expand intra-African trade and export manufacturing in sectors with high employment rates, and both organizations aim to continue to focus on this proven approach to providing short-term relief and long-term resilience.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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