Afreximbank’s $10 Billion Gulf Crisis Response Plan

The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) unveiled a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme on April 7, 2026, to help African and Caribbean economies manage economic shocks stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The initiative is aimed at supporting countries, banks and companies grappling with rising costs and supply disruptions, particularly in fuel, fertiliser and food markets.

Afreximbank says the programme will use a mix of balance‑sheet support, liquidity facilities, and risk guarantees to stabilise vulnerable sectors. Although detailed allocations are yet to be disclosed, the plan is expected to prioritise nations hardest hit by inflationary pressures and logistical bottlenecks.

The bank’s intervention comes amid broader warnings that continued geopolitical strife could derail economic growth across Africa. A joint report from the United Nations, African Union and the African Development Bank has cautioned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could shave up to 0.2 percentage points off Africa’s GDP growth in 2026, as disruptions to trade, energy and fertiliser supplies ripple through regional economies.

Afreximbank officials emphasise that the response programme will be implemented in coordination with member states, financial institutions and development partners. They say this collaborative approach is crucial to maximising impact and ensuring that resources reach industries and communities most in need.

Afreximbank has played a major role in supporting African trade and investment, with total assets and guarantees reaching over $40 billion by the end of 2024. The bank’s track record includes disbursing tens of billions of dollars to help countries manage past crises such as COVID‑19 and the Ukraine war, highlighting its strategic role in bolstering resilience.