Afreximbank Plans to Open Regional Center in Tunis
"The relations with Tunisia are in a positive dynamic of cooperation that will be valued," affirms the President of Afreximbank.
Tunis, July 2, 2024 - The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announces its intention to open a regional center in Tunis, marking a new era of cooperation with Tunisia. This information was revealed during a high-level meeting between Mr. Fethi Zouhair Nouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), and Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Tunis.
During the meeting, which focused on financial partnership, the exchanges highlighted a shared vision for the future, with a particular emphasis on energy transition and preserving human capital in African countries.
The meeting, attended by Mr. Haythem Maayerji, Vice-President of Afreximbank, Hafedh Ben Afia, Head of the North Africa Region, and senior officials from the BCT, underscored a common will to strengthen bilateral relations and develop strategic partnerships. As Mr. Oramah affirmed, "the relations with Tunisia are in a positive dynamic of cooperation that will be valued."
Supporting African Talents
The discussions covered key topics such as valuing the African diaspora, implementing an ecosystem favorable to the emergence of a promising elite, and enhancing the economic attractiveness of countries of origin.
Mr. Nouri stressed the importance of supporting African talents through initiatives facilitating their integration and contribution to the economic development of their countries of origin. It is, he said, about "believing in Africa and its enormous potential." A sentiment shared by Mr. Oramah, who specified that Afreximbank is currently collaborating with international partners to establish a specific program for the African diaspora.
Financing Key Development Projects
The discussions also addressed innovative financing means for development projects in the sectors of energy transition and green economy in Tunisia. Mr. Nouri presented the opportunities and challenges related to these areas, highlighting the need for substantial support from Afreximbank to achieve Tunisia's ambitions in terms of sustainability and green growth. "We will need all our partners to support Tunisia's ambition to work on sustainable solutions," he emphasized.
For his part, Mr. Oramah reiterated his institution's commitment to actively support Tunisia's development projects, as a historic member of the institution: "you can count on Afreximbank. The relations with Tunisia are in a new positive dynamic of cooperation that will be valued." He also specified that Afreximbank's financing model could adapt to Tunisia's demand. By announcing the upcoming opening of a regional center in Tunis, Mr. Oramah emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative to strengthen ties with Tunisia.
Enhancing Cross-Border Payment Systems
On another note, Messrs. Nouri and Oramah also discussed the opportunities offered by the "Pan-African Payment and Settlement System" (PAPSS), of which the BCT is a member. They agreed to study the possibilities for better developing payment operations in Africa and seizing the opportunities and advantages offered by this transboundary financial market infrastructure.
The two leaders agreed to continue their exchanges and work together to achieve the discussed objectives. This collaboration promises to pave the way for reinforced and mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development for Tunisia and the entire African region.