From infrastructure to innovation, a new generation of African banks is reshaping the continent’s economic destiny. With billions of dollars in capital mobilized, these investment-oriented financial institutions are financing bold projects—from clean energy and digital highways to cultural industries and industrial parks. More than lenders, they are builders of the new African economy.
1. Afreximbank – Financing Africa’s Boldest Visions
With $27 billion in total assets (2023), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is the most influential pan-African development bank focused on intra-African trade, industrialization, and strategic sectors. Headquartered in Cairo, it plays a pivotal role in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Flagship Projects:
- $1 billion fund to finance African cinema and the creative industries, enabling large-scale film production, distribution platforms, and cultural exports in Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya
- $3 billion African Trade Exchange Program to secure intra-African supply chains in food, energy, and pharmaceuticals
- $1 billion investment in African vaccine manufacturing (through the AVAT and AMA partnerships)
- $500 million credit line to support Nigeria’s industrialization and export diversification
- Co-financing of Enyimba Economic City (Nigeria), a $2.5 billion special economic zone
- Development of PAPSS, Africa’s cross-border real-time payment system
- Strategic backing for AfrexInsure, a new insurance platform to mitigate trade risks
“We are not here to finance consumption, but to empower Africa’s producers and creators.” — Prof. Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank
2. BGFIBank – A Central African Titan with Global Ambitions
With $462 million in net banking income (2023), 20 subsidiaries across 12 countries, and nine specialized brands, BGFIBank is the largest financial group in Central Africa. Founded in Gabon, it is a leader in structured finance, capital markets, and corporate banking through its subsidiary BGFI Capital.
Flagship Projects:
- Financing of the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric dam in Gabon to support national energy independence
- Strategic advisory and placement for sovereign bonds across CEMAC countries
- Creation of BGFIBank Europe in Paris to serve African clients globally
- Support for the Libreville Smart City Initiative
- Private equity initiatives in fintech and health tech startups in Francophone Africa
- Development of BGFI School of Finance, training future African bankers
3. Rand Merchant Bank – Infrastructure and Innovation at Scale
A division of South Africa’s FirstRand Group, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) operates in more than 10 African markets and has become a top-tier investment bank specializing in infrastructure, mergers & acquisitions, and public-private partnerships.
Flagship Projects:
- Lead arranger of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, valued at $3.5 billion
- Financial advisor on the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Free Trade Zone in Nigeria
- Co-financing of the Mtwara gas-to-power project in Tanzania
- Debt structuring for Safaricom Ethiopia’s $850 million expansion
- Mobilized over $4.2 billion in project financing for African governments and corporates in 2022
4. Attijariwafa Bank – North Africa’s Financial Champion
With over €11 billion in revenue, 6,000 branches, and operations across 15 African countries, Attijariwafa Bank is Morocco’s financial powerhouse. Through Attijari Finances Corp., it drives investment banking and cross-border deal structuring across Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
Flagship Projects:
- Lead financier of the Tangier Tech City, a China-Morocco industrial hub
- Investment in Senegal’s Ndiass solar farm, one of West Africa’s largest
- Structuring the IPOs of several regional champions on the BRVM and Casablanca Stock Exchange
- Co-development of cross-border e-payment systems with WAEMU central banks
- Strategic partner in Morocco’s industrial acceleration plan
5. NSIA Banque – Private Equity and Inclusive Investment in West Africa
Based in Côte d’Ivoire and present in 12 African countries, NSIA Banque has evolved into a dynamic group focused on private equity, SME financing, and inclusive finance. With a strong presence in insurance and real estate, its investment arm NSIA Capital supports scalable ventures across key sectors.
Flagship Projects:
- Launch of a $200 million agro-industrial investment fund for Ivorian agribusiness
- Co-financing of low-income housing developments in Abidjan and Lomé
- Strategic funding of health-tech startups during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
- Long-term support to microfinance institutions through blended finance tools
- Backing regional champions in logistics and cold chain infrastructure
These five institutions are not only financial giants—they are catalysts of economic transformation. From energy to entertainment, agriculture to fintech, they are placing big bets on Africa’s future and reconfiguring its place in global value chains.
“Africa doesn’t lack vision—it needs financiers who believe in it. These banks are leading the way.”
