Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The global credit ratings agency, Moody’s, has maintained the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) rating at Baa1 in its annual credit analysis, with the outlook categorized as stable.
The agency determines its rating for supranational based on three criteria: capital adequacy, liquidity and funding, and strength of member support.
Moody’s noted that Afreximbank’s credit profile is “supported by its critical role under the African Union umbrella that garners it recurrent capital infusions…alongside the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”
The ongoing provision of new capital by the bank’s member states is cited because it “gives Afreximbank increased flexibility over its balance sheet to navigate the challenging operating environment amid the economic and financial repercussions of higher inflation and tighter monetary conditions globally.”
Moody’s cited Afreximbank’s credit strengths as being a specialized African trade finance institution with a niche, supporting asset performance as well as having sound profitability and market access at favourable rates.
Speaking on the rating, Mr Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: “Afreximbank is delighted to maintain its positive credit rating from Moody’s, which reflects the Bank’s disciplined approach to its balance sheet and financial health, as well as its capacity to deliver its mandate even in periods of macroeconomic uncertainty and instability.
“Afreximbank’s creative and cautious approach to its financing as well as its solid capital base, has enabled it to intervene to help member states’ economies as a combination of global conflicts, the lingering effects of the pandemic and increasing global supply chain disruptions threaten the pace and scale of development here in Africa.”
This is coming after Fitch Ratings also affirmed Afreximbank’s long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at BBB, with a stable outlook and its short-term Issuer Default Rating at F2 and the long-term ratings on the bank’s Global Medium Term Note Programme and Debt Issuances at BBB in June.
In addition, Fitch acknowledged Afreximbank’s strong capital and liquidity position, noting that the bank had a strong liquidity profile, has strengthened its institutional role and raised its profile as the main multilateral development bank focused on supporting the public and private sectors in Africa.
Speaking on both ratings, Afreximbank Group Treasurer & Director of Treasury and Markets, Mr Chandi Mwenebungu, said: “The Moody’s and Fitch ratings are a strong testament to Afreximbank’s development mandate on the continent. We are committed to continuing to build a solid platform to deepen our partnership with clients and member states, to deliver sustainable growth and development.
“This rating proves our risk discipline and continues to show that our capital and liquidity are strong. As we embrace the future, we remain poised to chart a path of progress and prosperity for the continent.”
