This article was written with support from Afreximbank
They say perception is important. This Thursday, Nigeria witnesses the opening of its first Abankink African Trade Centre (AATC), a state-of-the-art twin nine-story office complex and business hotels.
Abuja AATC offers a new perspective to create clusters that will help solidify business opportunities, change mindsets and enhance the business environment across the continent.
Why is this commercial development important? That's because, as many things across Africa, it creates new benchmarks in real estate and corporate workspaces. And in an increasingly chaotic world, it has become an urgent duty to transform our continent by bringing an African solution filled with increasing uncertainty and isolationism.
Despite some setbacks and changes in priorities, building a sustainable future must be at the heart of Africa's policy. Designed to transform Africa's trade and investment environment, this world-class facility incorporates the best green certified architecture to meet global environmental standards.
The development includes an office tower and a 148-bed, custom-made 4-star business hotel. Boasting top-notch business and trading facilities, this property offers dedicated space for trade exhibitions, small business hiding, meetings and business amenities. The connection catalyzes the action.
Our institutions were established to provide anti-cyclical support and to promote transformation of the continent, particularly through greater trade.
Our ancestors have sought economic independence. These trade centers will become business hubs, promote innovation, empower small and medium-sized businesses, and strengthen global trade participation.
Additionally, the bank's model developing hubs for integrated trade services is unique, and is reproduced on a large scale across Africa as the continent requires a scalable and replicable model.
The journey to launch of Abuja AATC began in 2018 when the idea of ​​creating a trade facilitation hub in major commercial capitals across Africa was first discussed. Nine major commercial cities were selected to host the AATC network in Africa and the Caribbean. They include Abuja (Nigeria), Harare (Zimbabwe), Kampala (Uganda), Cairo (Egypt), Abidjan (Cote Daiboir), Yound (Cameroon), Kigali (Rwanda), Tunis (Tunis), Brigitown (Barbados).
The project, which received land from Nigeria and Zimbabwe, respectively, was launched in Abuja and Harare in November 2021 and September 2022, respectively. Four years later, Abuja AATC will change its Abuja Cityscape and Harare Art will also be officially opened in August this year. Construction of Kampala AATC began in November 2024, while Cairo AATC is planned for September 2025.
These are examples of successful public-private partnerships working with governments, investors and multilateral development banks. These developments also deliver the founder's vision, provide bespoke funding solutions and advisory services, and provide expansion, diversification, promotion and development of trade within and outside of Africa.
But why are you asking about the Caribbean? The Barbados AATC acts as a beacon of authentic trade by embodying the dynamic focus of commerce by embodying the ambition, resilience and influence of major commercial cities in the African and the Caribbean, and by promoting regional and global trade links between the 20 countries of Africa and the larger CARICOM region.
To echo our President, Professor Benedict Orama, Barbados AATC will serve as a gateway for African Libian trade and investment, doing business with the Caribbean, creating opportunities for Caribbean to do business in Africa. What we called the story of global Africa.
In an increasingly fragmented world, building bridges is important as the past few years has shown that independence is not only a solution but a need.
The $180 million investment is expected to be completed in 2028. It will create 300 permanent jobs, increase the supply of hotel rooms in Barbados, a country that relies on tourism revenue, and also host CARICOM's headquarters.
Action is important. Our role is to catalyze investment, trade and development, and clusters demonstrate effective means of catalyzing ideas and business opportunities.
Abuja AATC is considered a test case for business cluster ideas and dream survival rates as a catalyst for growth, employment and empowerment.