South Africa’s integration into Afreximbank’s shareholder base propels pan-African industrialisation to a higher level. Much more than a simple budgetary contribution, this alliance multiplies the potential for resource transformation and manufacturing production across the continent. By joining the institution, the industrial powerhouse of southern Africa is establishing itself as a strategic regional hub. For its part, Afreximbank is reaffirming its position as a catalyst for local value chains.
South Africa’s entry into the share capital of Afreximbank marks a step change in Africa’s industrial strategy. Beyond a shareholder adjustment, it strengthens the continent’s capacity to produce, process and trade on endogenous foundations. The leading industrialised economy of Southern Africa joins a mechanism designed to structure regional value chains. Afreximbank broadens its scope and deepens its industrial portfolio. Officially confirmed in Johannesburg on 4 February 2026, the accession seals a strategic choice. The Bank anchors itself to a mature industrial hub, capable of projecting capital, know-how and technologies across the continent.
With South Africa, we will see Afreximbank’s volumes increase. We believe we will be able to process several products and, from here, provide expertise to other African countries where such expertise is needed—particularly for processing, which remains what we must focus on over the next 10 to 15 years.
George Elombi, President of Afreximbank
The logic is clear: leverage existing industrial bases to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation. South Africa becomes a support hub for mineral processing, manufacturing and energy. The lever is also financial, driven by a banking system capable of multiplying the impact of funding.
South African banks are already quite robust. Afreximbank is the institution that brings them into these other markets. For every dollar Afreximbank invests in a country—in a processing plant, for instance, in another African country—South African banks can add three, four or five more dollars in support of their own entrepreneurs. For us, this is a very positive situation. It was, moreover, the last country yet to join the family.
George Elombi, President of Afreximbank
In practical terms, the accession translates into an $8 billion country programme, including $3 billion dedicated to economic inclusion, immediately deployable for industrialisation, energy and SME development. This is complemented by a project pipeline exceeding $6 billion, spanning industry, energy, mining and infrastructure. Building on prior commitments—including $1 billion from 2018, $175 million invested in industrial processing, and a mechanism capable of mobilising up to $750 million for flagship projects—this accession embeds South Africa’s economy within a continental market of 1.4 billion consumers, with the AfCFTA providing a durable operational framework.
