SRHR At A Crossroads: Global Health Innovation And Inequality Collide, Study Reveals

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

A new study released by the World Health Organization, The Lancet, the Guttmacher Institute, Rutgers and Community Collectives has revealed that global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, SRHR, stands at a crossroads where innovation and inequality collide.

The evidence was unveiled at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2025), running Nov. 3-6 in Bogotá. Amid what is being called the most turbulent year for reproductive rights in a generation, the research shows global progress at a tipping point with financing gaps widening, access stalling, and communities stepping in to fill the void.

More than 3,500 delegates from 120 countries are meeting from Nov. 3-6, 2025, for the Seventh ICFP, where data released this week reveal both momentum and fragility for SRHR.

“Evidence is only as powerful as the action it inspires,” said Dr. Philip Anglewicz, director of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute and chair of the ICFP 2025 International Steering Committee. “This week, the global SRHR community is proving that research can do more than describe the world—it can change it.”

Several major studies anchor the ICFP 2025 scientific agenda this year: The Lancet / WHO Global SRHR Analysis, led by Dr. Saifuddin Ahmed, shows that sustained SRHR investment lowers maternal mortality, advances gender parity and strengthens national resilience.

“We are seeing what happens when data meets determination,” Ahmed said. “Investment in SRHR doesn’t just save lives; it strengthens economies, protects rights and builds the resilience societies need in times of crisis.”

Also released at ICFP 2025, two new Guttmacher Institute studies—Adding It Up and FP-Impact—show that investing in family planning is both lifesaving and economically smart. Meeting all SRHR needs in low- and middle-income countries would cost $104 billion annually but save $2.48 in health costs for every $1 spent. The findings also show contraceptive use increases women’s paid employment by up to 12% in countries like Kenya and Nigeria.

“Family planning doesn’t just save lives—it transforms women’s economic prospects,” said Onikepe Owolabi, vice president for international research at Guttmacher.

FP2030 Country Commitments also reveal encouraging momentum: Ghana, Kenya and Bangladesh have pledged to expand access to modern contraception and increase domestic financing, signaling renewed accountability toward 2030 targets.

“Countries see the evidence: family planning remains a development best buy,” said Dr. Samukeliso Dube, executive director of FP2030. “It’s worth prioritizing.”

Rutgers’ Comparative Study on Abortion Access in Central Africa, co-funded by the European Union, examines access for survivors of sexual violence, mapping legal and health-system barriers and emerging rights-based strategies in restrictive contexts.

In July, a Guttmacher analysis warned that more than 70 percent of global family-planning funding depends on a small group of donors, including nearly 40 percent from the United States, leaving millions vulnerable if political priorities shift.

The Donors Delivering for SRHR 2025 analysis by DSW and the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights (EPF) shows that donor disbursements fell 27 percent in 2023 to $10.77 billion, just 4.3 percent of total official development assistance (ODA).

Despite rising overall aid, SRHR’s share continues to shrink, exposing widening gaps between political promises and financial realities. European donors provided roughly €1.65 billion in 2023, while domestic budgets in many low- and middle-income countries remain too limited to sustain essential services without external support.

As the data converge in Bogotá, ICFP 2025 stands as a checkpoint for SRHR accountability and ambition. The evidence reveals a world in motion defined by extraordinary innovation but shadowed by deep inequity and uneven political will.

From AI-driven health tools to youth-led movements and community-based financing models, progress is being redefined not only by what governments invest but by how communities adapt and lead.

“We have more data than ever before,” said Marta Royo, executive director of Profamilia. “But what will define the next decade is not how much we know, but how boldly we act. Evidence must drive equity—and equity must drive everything else.”

Throughout the week, ICFP 2025 will unveil new data releases and policy commitments shaping the future of SRHR. Daily updates, press briefings and interviews are available through the FPNN Media Lab and the ICFP press room.

President-Elect, Paul Biya To Be Sworn In For Eighth Term After Contested Election

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The President-Elect, His Excellency Paul Biya, the incumbent President of the Republic of Cameroon who has been in power since 1982, is scheduled to take the oath of office on November 6.

**Paul Biya, President Elect of the Republic of Cameroon**

This information was officially released on November 4 by the Minister, Director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Paul Biya Glass House (the National Assembly building in Yaoundé), as is tradition. The Upper and Lower House of the National Assembly will be in session.

The upcoming event will mark the official start of President Biya’s eighth term in office. This mandate follows his victory in the Presidential Election that took place on October 12.

The contested poll saw the long-serving leader face a field of eleven other candidates. The results of the election were a source of significant national tension.

Before the Constitutional Council officially declared Paul Biya as the winner, a close rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had prematurely declared himself victorious, setting the stage for a contentious political aftermath.

Following the disputed election results, the country experienced post-election violence, including protests, destruction, and looting in several regions, tragically resulting in the killing of citizens.

These events underscore the deep political fault lines and public discontent surrounding the longevity of the current administration.

President Paul Biya’s continuous time in power dates back to 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.

This new seven-year term further solidifies his decades-long control over the Central African nation’s political landscape.

Hon. Cavaye Celebrates Candidates’ Dignified Acceptance Of Defeat

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, on Monday commended presidential candidates who “accepted defeat with dignity” following the October 2025 election.

***Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril speaking during the opening ceremony*** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

Hon. Cavaye made the remarks Nov. 3 while opening the third ordinary session of Parliament for the 2025 Legislative Year at the Paul Biya Glass House in Yaounde.

The session, which Hon. Cavaye presided over, has two critical items on its agenda: the swearing-in of President-elect Paul Biya and the review and adoption of the state budget for the 2026 financial year.

Hon. Cavaye specifically hailed the defeated candidates who “congratulate[d] the winner” but condemned the actions of one candidate who allegedly incited “civil disobedience” and called on citizens, particularly youths, to “contest the election results, foment disorder and destroy private and public property.”

**Cross Section of Parliamentarian during the opening ceremony** *(Photo Credit: National Assembly)*

The speaker noted that the unrest “inadvertently resulted in loss of lives,” including that of a fellow lawmaker, Honorable ABE Michael NDRA, who he said was “brutally murdered.”

Hon. Cavaye extended condolences to the bereaved families and praised the security forces for their “professionalism” in maintaining peace and stability.

While congratulating President Biya on his Oct. 12 election victory, Hon. Cavaye stated that the vote was “conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere throughout the national territory,” save for “a few cases of vandalism.” He also recognized the stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the election’s success.

**Ministers Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and Paul Atanga Nji speaking on the sideline of the opening ceremony of the November Session** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

Hon. Cavaye credited President Biya for promulgating the 1990 laws that introduced public liberties, including the freedom of expression and the creation of political parties.

“The advent of multi-party politics in Cameroon is also credited to the same liberty laws,” Hon. Cavaye said, emphasizing that the multi-party platform enabled multiple candidates to run for office. He cited the Oct. 12 presidential election as a “classic example of political pluralism and democracy in Cameroon.”

**Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril and Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Dion Ngute during the opening ceremony of the November session** (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

Addressing the 2026 State Budget, the speaker said it would be the first of the president’s new seven-year term under the “Great Hope” policy.

He expressed his wish that the budget be realistic, conform to the head of state’s policy guidelines, and fully meet the aspirations of the people who renewed their confidence in Biya.

CAF Expands Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations To 16 Teams, Boosting Cameroon And Others

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expanded the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, a move that will reinstate four traditional powerhouses, including the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, for the upcoming 2026 tournament.

**CAF WAFCON Trophy** (Photo Credit: CAF)

CAF announced in a communique that its Executive Committee approved the enlargement of the WAFCON, starting with the next edition in 2026.

This decision effectively grants a reprieve to several prominent teams that had missed out on qualification under the previous 12-team structure.

To ensure fairness following the conclusion of the initial qualification process, CAF stated it would select the “four best-ranked teams according to the current FIFA Women’s World Ranking, among those eliminated in the final qualifying round,” to complete the 16-team field.

Consequently, Cameroon (ranked 66th globally), Côte d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th) have been reinstated. They will join the 12 teams that secured qualification on the pitch, including holders Nigeria and former champions South Africa.

The expansion is a significant development for Cameroon, which was eliminated by Algeria on a 3-1 aggregate and faced what would have been their second consecutive absence from the WAFCON.

This unexpected turn provides a crucial opportunity for the Lionesses, whose new mission will be to reach the semi-finals in March 2026 to secure one of the African spots for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Côte d’Ivoire narrowly lost to Burkina Faso, while Mali and Egypt were edged out by Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, respectively.

CAF stressed that the expansion reflects its commitment to strengthening women’s football and promoting inclusivity across Africa. The new 16-team format is intended to enhance competition and create broader opportunities for emerging nations, said CAF.

The teams that qualified last week, before the expansion announcement, include Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Morocco will participate as hosts.

The WAFCON holds added importance as it serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers heading to Brazil. This will be the third Women’s Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.

Morocco is also set to host the 24-team men’s Africa Cup of Nations finals from Dec. 22 to Jan. 18.

16 TEAMS FOR WAFCON 2026:

Qualified: Morocco (Host); Zambia; Tanzania; Malawi; Algeria; Nigeria; Ghana; Burkina Faso; Kenya; South Africa; Cape Verde and Senegal.

Reinstated: Cameroon; Côte d’Ivoire; Mali and Egypt.

Food Prices Soar in Yaounde Amid Post-Election Tension

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

High food prices are creating significant strain on residents in Yaounde, with many reporting daily price increases at local markets that are making life increasingly difficult.

**A partial view of a busy market in Yaounde** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Citizens have largely attributed the rising cost of nearly all market goods to the aftermath of recent elections and are calling for a quick resolution before the situation escalates. this has also been recorded in major towns through out the country.

The impact on household budgets is immediate and severe. “This morning, I went to the market and I discovered that prices, especially for food products, have been increased,” said Sandra, a city resident who preferred to only use her first name for fear of reprisal. “When I asked, they told me that nothing is coming in to Yaounde and there is nothing they can do.”

A woman identifying herself only as a housewife expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. “I am pleading to the authorities to solve this post-election crisis as fast as possible because Cameroonians will not support the rising food prices,” she said. “You can’t imagine that everything in the market is witnessing an increase.” This sentiment underscores the mounting public frustration with the economic fallout of the political unrest.

Traders on their part say they are also struggling with the scarcity and subsequent higher costs. They added that the post-election uncertainty has severely disrupted key supply routes, leading to massive shortages of staples.

A woman selling njama njama (huckleberry leaves), a common vegetable in Cameroonian cuisine detailed the impact on her business.

“The situation is bad. I buy a bag of njama njama now for CFAF 25,000, meaning that I have to increase the price when I start selling, and sometimes, I find myself at a loss,” she said. “We used to have njama njama coming in abundance from Bamenda, but it has been days those cars are not traveling. So, it is really not the best.”

Fruit sellers have also stated that the tense atmosphere is deterring drivers from risking travel, leading to low stock particularly for these perishables transported from the country’s agricultural regions. As a results, some vendors have even left the market because they can no longer operate profitably under these conditions.

“The situation of post-elections is really pushing Cameroonians to the wall,” one trader said, noting that since the election-related tensions began, vehicle circulation has been restricted and markets have been sparse. “A little that comes in will always see an increase in price.”

Another trader added that vendors are not to blame for the hikes, as products are scarce. “Election crises have made it very impossible for cars to be circulating. The North is blocked, and cars hardly come from Douala and Bamenda, just to name a few,” he said.

The lack of vehicle movement has created a bottleneck, ensuring that the small amount of produce that reaches the capital is sold at a premium.

“The situation of post-elections is really pushing Cameroonians to the wall,” one trader added, noting that since the election-related tensions began, vehicle circulation has been restricted and markets have become sparse. “A little that comes in will always see an increase in price.”

With memories of the widespread 2008 civil unrest which was partially fueled by significant food price increases, citizens and traders alike are urging authorities to act quickly to resolve the current issues and restore the flow of essential goods.

The fear according to some observers now is that a failure to stabilize prices and ensure food access could quickly escalate the political crisis into a humanitarian concern.

WHO, UN To Launch Updated Cornerstones Of Contraceptive Care at ICFP 2025

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ Special Programme of Human Reproduction (HRP) will launch the sixth edition of the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC) and the fourth edition of the Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (SPR) during the seventh International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2025) from Nov. 1-6 in Bogotá.

**A doctor explains contraceptive options using a WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria wheel during a family planning consultation in Bara Kahu, Islamabad.** *© WHO / HRP / Saiyna Bashir*

This is the first time the conference is being held in Latin America. Updated with the latest evidence, WHO aims to make contraceptive care safer, more consistent, and more responsive to people’s real needs.

“The release of the updated WHO MEC and SPR marks a transformative milestone in global reproductive health,” said Prof. Frank Louwen, President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). “They reaffirm the central role of science in enabling choice, equity, and quality in family planning.”

WHO notes that family planning is more than just a health service; it saves lives, improves health outcomes, strengthens communities, and empowers individuals to decide if and when to become pregnant. For nearly 30 years, the MEC and SPR guidelines have formed the foundation of this work.

For health service providers, the MEC answers the vital question: Is this contraceptive method safe for this individual, given their medical history? The SPR provides guidance on how to use contraceptive methods safely and effectively. Together, they assist policymakers and program managers in ensuring that contraception is safe, effective, and rights-based.

The new editions reflect significant advances in understanding contraceptive methods. For instance, progestogen-only injectables can now be safely offered immediately after childbirth, emergency contraception can be repeated within the same cycle, and hormonal methods can be safely used by women taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The impact of these tools is tangible across countries. In Botswana, Bame Bame, a research nurse specializing in sexual and reproductive health, said, “I use the MEC almost every day. The Wheel and the App make it quick and convenient, especially when I am with a client. It reassures them and empowers clinicians like me with confidence that we are providing the best care possible.”

In the Philippines, Sharon Uy, a family planning program manager in Samar, remarked, “As a health service provider, the WHO Selected Practice Recommendations have transformed how I guide clients in choosing and using family planning methods. By complementing the MEC Wheel, they provide not just the ‘who can use’ but also the ‘how to use,’ making counseling clearer, more confident, and client-centered. They have simplified decision-making and allowed me to focus more on empowering clients through informed, evidence-based choices.”

The true power of the MEC and SPR lies in their application. Policymakers can integrate the new guidance into training, supervision, and health system planning. Health workers can utilize derivative products, such as the MEC Wheel, the App, and the Family Planning Handbook, to support informed, client-centered counseling.

Academic and professional associations can ensure that future generations of providers learn to deliver contraceptive care grounded in evidence and respect.

“The updated WHO MEC and SPR reaffirm that every woman, man, and young person has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health, supported by the highest standards of scientific evidence,” said Julia Bunting, Director of the Programme Division at UNFPA.

“UNFPA welcomes these updated tools as essential instruments for advancing quality, rights-based contraceptive care—ensuring that guidance keeps pace with innovation, equity, and the realities of diverse health care settings.”

2025 BSFC: Late Goals Secure Dramatic Draws on Day Four

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Bui Sports Fans Competition, BSFC 2025, now in its 13th edition, reached an exhilarating fourth day of play on Sunday, November 2.

**Melim FC and Chitah FC battling for supremacy** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Nso Youths FC and Melim United both scored late goals to secure draws in their respective matches, captivating fans and spectators alike.

The intensity of the two games was indicating, with each team showcasing spectacular performances that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

In the first match, Chitah FC faced off against Melim United in a highly anticipated return leg, following their earlier encounter which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Knowing the stakes were high, both teams started the match under immense pressure, delivering unexpected twists and turns as the minutes ticked by.

**Dzekwa Rangers and Nso Youths Exhibit Their Skills** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Chitah FC opened the scoring early, taking a 1-0 lead that energized their players and fans. This early goal gave them a boost, propelling them to push forward in search of more.

However, Melim United was determined to balance the scoreline and sought every opportunity to retaliate. Despite their efforts, Chitah surprisingly extended their lead before halftime, ending the first half at 2-0.

As the second half commenced, both teams adjusted their strategies, but Melim United’s tactical changes began to pay off.

They managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1, reigniting their hopes of a comeback. With just a few minutes remaining, Melim’s relentless pressure finally bore fruit, allowing them to equalize and finish the match at 2-2.

**Chitah Goalkeeper Sends Decisive Shot Over Crossbar in Intense Match** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The second match featured a fierce showdown between Dzekwa Rangers and Nso Youths FC. This was a rematch following Dzekwa’s previous decisive 4-1 victory, and Nso Youths were eager to turn the tables.

Knowing they had to overcome a significant challenge, Dzekwa started the game with enthusiasm, aiming to solidify their lead in the classification table.

In a surprising twist, Nso Youths quickly found the back of the net, taking a 1-0 lead that invigorated their squad.

They pressed on, seeking a second goal to extend their advantage. However, Dzekwa was not to be outdone; they fought back and equalized before taking the lead in the second half.

Both teams maintained a commendable spirit of fair play throughout the match, showcasing their sportsmanship. In a dramatic finish, Nso Youths equalized once again, sealing the game with a final score of 2-2.

After day four, Dzekwa Rangers remain at the top of the classification table with 6 points, closely followed by Melim United, who also have 6 points but trail on goal difference.

Chitah FC, after recording their fourth consecutive draw, sits in third place with 4 points, while Nso Youths FC of Nkolmeseng finds themselves in last place with 2 points.

Looking ahead, day five matches are scheduled for next Sunday, promising even more thrilling encounters as the competition heats up.

Contraceptives Save Lives But Access Is Dwindling – UNFPA Warns

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The U.N. Population Fund’s top official have said contraceptives save lives and bring significant economic benefits, but warned that global funding shortfalls are putting access to them under threat.

The comments from Diene Keita, the executive director of UNFPA, came on the eve of the International Conference on Family Planning, (ICFP 2025) which runs from Nov. 1-6 in Bogotá. It is the first time the conference is being held in Latin America.

“Contraceptives save lives,” Keita said. “For almost 50 years, global health authorities have recognized contraception as essential medicine. People want them, use them, and rely on them every day.”

She said the evidence is clear that when women and adolescent girls have access to contraceptives, they are more likely to have planned and safe pregnancies, complete their education, find employment and fulfill their potential.

“The truth is that contraceptives reduce abortion rates and lower the incidence of death and disability related to complications of pregnancy and childbirth,” Keita said.

She also highlighted the economic benefits, noting that every $1 spent on ending the unmet need for contraception yields nearly $27 in economic returns.

Despite this, Keita said UNFPA is seeing contraceptive stocks dwindle in communities that rely on international family planning funding. She warned that health systems are preparing for a rise in unintended pregnancies, which are linked to higher rates of maternal death, including from unsafe abortions.

The impacts, she said, are likely to extend far beyond health care. “We can expect to see adolescent pregnancies, school dropouts, and even increased risk of gender-based violence.”

Keita stressed that UNFPA and its partners have worked for decades to strengthen supply chains and ensure the availability of affordable contraceptives, even in hard-to-reach communities.

“That infrastructure and those investments have been life-changing and lifesaving for millions of people around the world, and need to be protected and enhanced,” she said.

She called for a collective effort to “keep our promise to women and adolescent girls, uphold their rights and choices, and ensure they have access to the contraceptives they need.”

The ICFP 2025 conference, hosted by the Gates Institute at Johns Hopkins University, the Government of Colombia, Profamilia, and Fundación Valle del Lili, will feature the largest ministerial delegation in its history, with officials from more than 50 governments.

Under the theme “Equity Through Action,” the ICFP 2025 will feature more than 2,000 scientific presentations on how investment in family planning accelerates progress across health, education and economies.

AfDB Approves $6 Million Grant To Boost Africa’s Disaster Preparedness

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The African Development Bank, AfDB Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $6 million grant to support the African Risk Capacity in boosting disaster preparedness and risk financing across the continent over the 2025-2026 period.

**The African Development Bank Group provides significant support to the African Risk Capacity for technical assistance to African countries in disaster risk quantification and assessment.** (Source: AfDB)

The grant, approved Oct. 29, 2025, is provided through the bank’s African Disaster Risk Financing Initiative (ADRiFi). It aims to help African Risk Capacity (ARC) maintain its core capacity-building and disaster risk financing services for the bank’s regional member countries.

The project is designed to help African governments shift from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness.

It will strengthen national institutions’ technical expertise and operational capacities in disaster risk management, including evidence-based risk assessment, early warning systems and training for policymakers and technical experts.

A key component will enhance countries’ ability to plan and allocate resources for emergencies more efficiently. It will also support the development of stronger institutional frameworks to coordinate rapid and effective responses to natural disasters.

ARC will work to expand country participation in its sovereign insurance risk pool by increasing engagement and offering new climate risk insurance products to its member states.

Planned activities include high-level advocacy for the ratification of the ARC Treaty, finalizing work programs with participating countries, and facilitating insurance premium support.

The grant implementation will cover all ARC member states, focusing on regions most exposed to droughts, floods, tropical cyclones and epidemics.

Beneficiaries will include policymakers, technical working groups and civil servants, who will receive targeted assistance in disaster risk quantification, contingency planning, risk financing, women’s inclusion and monitoring and evaluation.

The African Risk Capacity, established in 2012 as a specialized institution of the African Union, provides member states with risk modeling, contingency planning and sovereign disaster risk financing services.

Since its inception, 39 African Union member states have signed the ARC Agreement, facilitating the disbursement of more than $230 million to 14 countries, which has protected millions of vulnerable people through rapid financing in the aftermath of disasters.

On the other hand, the African Development Bank Group, Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprises three entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).

Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

New President Sworn In To Lead Afreximbank

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroonian born Dr. George Elombi has been sworn in as the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) fourth President and chairman of the board of directors. He recently took over from Prof. Benedict Oramah as head of the African multilateral finance institution.

**Dr. George Elombi, New President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank** (Source: Afreximbank)

The investiture ceremony was formalized with an oath administered by Wale Edun, chairman of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the bank and Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.

It was witnessed by more than 2,000 guests, including heads of state, former heads of state, government leaders and representatives from across Africa and the Caribbean, top African business leaders, all former Afreximbank presidents, members of the bank’s board, shareholders, staff, and a host of other dignitaries.

In his inaugural address, Elombi announced his commitment to carrying forward the legacy of the bank’s past, deepening impact, strengthening partnerships, and continuing the mission of building an Africa that trades with itself and thrives on its own terms.

He pointed out that the structure of global trade was disfavorable to Africa because it was too dependent on the export of commodities. “Our mission is therefore, to transform the structure of that trade,” he said. “To change the structure, we must process. We must produce. Unless we produce, we cannot trade.”

President Elombi announced that, over the next five to 10 years, he would prioritize sectors he believed would have the most significant and sustained impact on Africa’s trade and well-being. This includes promoting and accelerating value addition and strategic minerals processing to curb the export of raw potential.

“Afreximbank will, therefore, create a new, high-impact financing window, specifically for projects that process raw minerals into semi-finished or finished goods,” he said. “We will establish a Strategic Minerals Development Program to finance entire value chains, from extraction and refining to manufacturing finished components, capturing much more value here at home and creating high-skilled jobs for our people.”

Elombi added that Afreximbank would prioritize the deepening of intra-African trade and regional integration, as the success of its value addition agenda would depend on its ability to secure markets for the goods produced.

“We will intensify efforts to break down trade barriers, strengthen cross-border infrastructure, and foster seamless movement of goods, services, people, and capital across our continent,” he said. “Afreximbank will, therefore, continue to play a catalytic role in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by driving forward key programs and initiatives developed over the past decade and by introducing new, targeted interventions, where necessary, to accelerate progress.”

Dr George Elombi is a Cameroonian economist and long-serving executive of Afreximbank. A member of the bank since 1996, he has been instrumental in shaping the group, enhancing its capital base, and coordinating crisis responses in Africa and the Caribbean.

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