Libya has taken a bold step toward economic reintegration and post-conflict recovery by becoming a full shareholder of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), positioning itself to play a renewed leadership role in regional trade and infrastructure development.

After finalising its share acquisition on 13 May 2025, Libya transitioned from a participating state to a full member and shareholder of the continental financial institution. This move follows its accession to the Afreximbank Establishment Agreement in October 2024, making Libya the 52nd African country to join the bank.

The strategic investment signals a broader shift in Libya’s economic outlook, as the country seeks to leverage continental partnerships to rebuild national infrastructure, diversify its economy, and reassert itself as a regional economic hub.

Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah welcomed Libya’s shareholding as a “milestone for regional cooperation,” noting its potential to catalyse Libya’s reconstruction efforts and enhance cross-border investments.

"Libya’s shareholding in Afreximbank puts the Bank in a strong position to support the government’s reconstruction efforts while also helping to deepen its regional connectivity through investments in critical projects such as the oil pipeline and road projects between Egypt and Libya, and the electricity transmission and linkage project covering Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria,” Oramah said. 

Libyan Finance Minister Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah described the partnership as a turning point in Libya’s economic trajectory, emphasising its role in trade facilitation, industrialisation, and resilience-building.

“We regard this development as a critical step forward in Libya’s journey towards greater economic integration within the African continent,” Abdullah stated. 

Libya’s full Afreximbank membership is expected to attract greater financial inflows, accelerate key development projects, and reinforce efforts to integrate African economies through trade and investment.