President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Thursday commissioned the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja—a landmark project that signals Nigeria’s growing ambition to lead intra-African trade and investment.
The AATC, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), is a multifunctional business complex designed to support economic integration and promote trade across Africa.
Strategically situated in Nigeria’s capital city, the Centre will serve as Afreximbank’s regional office and a key hub for trade facilitation, innovation, and policy dialogue.
During the commissioning, SGF Akume emphasized the Centre’s significance as a national and continental asset.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, he described the AATC as “a bold and strategic investment in Africa’s future,” and affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to playing a central role in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The newly inaugurated facility combines top-tier infrastructure with tailored services for businesses and financial institutions. It features a state-of-the-art conference centre, a trade and exhibition hub, a Digital Trade Gateway, and the 148-room ONOMO Hotel.
Additionally, the complex includes premium office spaces for Nigerian and international financial and policy organisations, as well as amenities such as a gym, wellness centre, and a technology and SME incubation hub.
More than just a physical structure, the AATC is part of Afreximbank’s broader strategy to address longstanding challenges in African trade. These include the lack of access to reliable market intelligence, poor connectivity, and limited support for small businesses and investors.
The Abuja Centre represents a critical step in Afreximbank’s plan to develop similar trade facilitation hubs across Africa and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region.
A standout feature of the AATC is the integration of Afreximbank’s Trade Intelligence Solutions (TRIN), a data-driven platform that provides businesses with in-depth trade and investment insights.
TRIN is designed to empower entrepreneurs and investors by offering real-time intelligence, expert advisory services, and strategic guidance for navigating African markets.
It is expected to enhance decision-making capacity and reduce barriers to market entry, particularly for small and medium enterprises looking to scale operations within the continent.
With the commissioning of the AATC, Nigeria is solidifying its role as a gateway for African trade and economic cooperation. As continental integration efforts gain momentum, the Centre stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s readiness to lead, connect, and transform the African business landscape.