ICIEC and Afreximbank forge deal to deepen Arab–Africa commerce

At a Glance

• ICIEC and Afreximbank partner to strengthen Arab–Africa trade and investment.
• Deal expands risk-sharing, digital tools and market-intelligence support.
• Collaboration enhances financing, advisory services and trade-finance security.

Arab–Africa trade is gaining fresh attention as two major multilateral lenders deepen cooperation aimed at easing financing gaps, reducing market risk and helping businesses operate more confidently across borders.

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a new agreement that broadens their collaboration at a time when companies are looking for clearer, more reliable access to capital and trade-support tools. 

The move comes as investors in both regions show renewed interest in building commercial ties that go beyond traditional corridors.

Firms operating between Africa and the Middle East often face regulatory uncertainty, long payment cycles and limited protection against political and commercial risk.

Development banks and export-credit agencies are under growing pressure to offer practical solutions that help businesses manage these challenges without slowing growth. 

For policymakers, the deal also reflects a wider shift toward closer coordination between the two regions, long seen as having significant but underused trade potential.

With global supply chains facing periodic disruptions, both institutions say a more unified approach could help exporters secure new contracts, strengthen shipping and logistics routes, and create a more stable environment for investment.

Details of the Cairo agreement 

The memorandum of understanding was signed in Cairo on Oct. 27, 2025, by ICIEC Business Development Director Yasser Alaki and Afreximbank’s Director of Guarantees and Specialised Finance, Kofi Asumadu Addo, who represented Global Trade Executive Vice President Haytham El Maayergi. 

Under the pact, the institutions will coordinate their trade-support frameworks, share market insights and broaden access to credit-insurance and risk-mitigation instruments.

The cooperation covers joint work in risk-sharing, digital platforms, advisory services and the development of new financial products.

Both sides also plan deeper engagement around Afreximbank’s TRADAR Intelligence and TRADAR Regulations platforms, while exploring expanded use of AfrexInsure to strengthen trade-finance security.

A closer, more practical partnership 

Alaki said the agreement “marks a milestone in our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade and investment across the Arab–Africa corridor,” adding that the partnership is meant to help businesses move with greater confidence. 

El Maayergi described the MoU as a continuation of a long-standing working relationship.

He said the collaboration will support market development, risk-sharing and digital upgrades, while reinforcing the goals of the Arab Africa Trade Bridge initiative.