Afreximbank Achieves ISO 31000:2018 Risk Accreditation
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has achieved a significant milestone by having its risk management framework registered as compliant with the ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Standard. The accreditation, issued by Certification Partner Global (CPG) in November 2025, marks a key step in the Bank’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and institutional maturity.
The ISO 31000:2018 standard, developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation, represents the global benchmark for risk management practices. It provides guidance on risk governance, framework design, implementation, evaluation, and integration across all organisational levels. Afreximbank’s registration follows extensive independent assessments by external auditors, with zero non-conformities, placing the Bank alongside leading global development banks that have achieved the prestigious standard.
Dr Elias Kagumya, Group Managing Director, Risk Management & Chief Risk Officer at Afreximbank, said: “Attaining ISO 31000:2018 registration is more than global recognition. It reflects years of investment in institutional capacity and embedding a proactive risk culture across the Bank. Effective risk management underpins our USD45 billion balance sheet and supports African trade across diverse markets. Our framework ensures that risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated across all operations, guaranteeing stability and protection of the Bank’s strategic goals.”
The accreditation aligns with Afreximbank’s Strategic Plan VI, which prioritises building a mature risk management framework, and underscores the Bank’s dedication to governance, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Certification Partner Global (CPG) praised the Bank’s approach, noting: “Afreximbank’s Risk Management Framework demonstrates exceptional capability in identifying, assessing, treating, and monitoring risks across nine critical categories, from Strategy and Business Risk to Mandate Risk. Its alignment with international best practice positions Afreximbank as a leader in institutional risk management globally.”
The achievement comes at a pivotal time for African trade integration. Afreximbank continues to support the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and key initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), now connecting 19 countries and over 160 commercial banks, and the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), which is transforming cross-border commerce across the continent.
The ISO 31000:2018 registration reinforces Afreximbank’s position as Africa’s premier trade finance institution and a globally competitive development bank committed to the highest standards of governance, operational resilience, and risk management excellence.
