Africa to Receive $10 Billion from Afreximbank Amid Middle East Tensions

Afreximbank has approved a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help African and Caribbean economies, banks, and companies manage the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The initiative supports essential imports, boosts exports, aids tourism and aviation sectors, and accelerates critical infrastructure projects to strengthen long-term economic resilience.

African Export-Import Bank has announced the approval of a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme aimed at helping African and Caribbean economies, banks, and companies cope with the severe economic disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The programme, unveiled on Tuesday, is designed to provide both immediate and long-term support to member states affected by rising prices, trade disruptions, and other fallout from the crisis.
A key component of the initiative is sustaining essential imports, including fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), food, fertilizer, and pharmaceuticals. By providing short-term foreign exchange and liquidity, the programme aims to support vulnerable countries in maintaining critical supply chains during the turmoil.
In addition, the programme seeks to assist African energy and minerals exporters in taking advantage of elevated global prices and rerouted trade flows. By scaling productive capacity in strategic commodities, the initiative is expected to help these countries optimize revenue streams while ensuring continued participation in international markets.
The Gulf Crisis Response Programme will also offer targeted relief to member states whose tourism and aviation sectors have been hit hard by the conflict, helping to stabilize industries that are vital for economic recovery.
Beyond immediate relief, the programme is structured to strengthen economic resilience against future shocks. It includes provisions to accelerate the completion of critical infrastructure projects—such as energy facilities, ports, and logistics networks—that have been delayed due to the conflict. By addressing these gaps, the African Export-Import Bank aims to bolster long-term growth, trade efficiency, and overall economic stability in both African and Caribbean member states.