GCR has revised Afreximbank’s rating to “Stable” from “Rating Watch Evolving” affirming the Bank’s international scale long and short-term issuer ratings of A and A2 respectively.
GCR has also affirmed the international scale long term programme rating on the USD 5 billion Global Medium Term Note (GMTN) Programme of A.
The improved rating reflects GCR’s assessment of a “robust counter-cyclical mandate, underpinned by a strong track record and ongoing preferential creditor treatment (PCT) from shareholders.”
According to GCR, “The Bank’s solid capitalisation and diversified funding profile provide significant buffers against emerging credit risks.” The report also acknowledged the Bank’s diverse shareholding base.
Significance of Outlook Change
The outlook change from “Rating Watch Evolving” to “Stable”, according to GCR, indicates that there is immaterial downside risk related to sovereign debt restructurings.
Commenting on the Rating action, Chandi Mwenebungu, Managing Director and Group Treasurer, Treasury and Markets at Afreximbank said:
“We are delighted that GCR has affirmed its credit rating on the Bank and resolved the outlook to ‘stable’, particularly in the light of recent positive credit developments.
“We continue to assert that the Bank’s preferred creditor treatment is enshrined in the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, ratified by all member states. It is not a matter of opinion or convention; it is fact.
Mr Mwenebungu continued, “It is also pleasing to note that GCR acknowledges the Afreximbank’s strong liquidity and capitalisation, and resilient risk profile. This is testament to the Bank’s financial and operational strength and that it has been able to demonstrate firm resolve in the face of continued macro-economic pressures and a challenging environment.”
This follows Afreximbank’s risk management framework being independently assessed in 2025 and registered as complying with international standard ISO 31000:2018, which demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to maintaining best practices in support of its mandate as the Continent’s leading Trade Finance Institution.
