Helmy Ghazi appointed first president of Africa Energy Bank

The Africa Energy Bank (AEB) was officially established on October 31, 2026, with Mr Helmy Ghazi named as its inaugural president. This announcement was made during the AEB’s inaugural general meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, and was issued in a joint statement by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO).

The AEB aims to secure Africa's energy future, addressing an estimated $200 billion financing gap as traditional financiers withdraw from fossil fuel projects. The bank will operate as an independent, supranational, pan-African financial institution, attracting investments from various sectors to support energy development.

Ghazi, prior to this role, was Deputy CEO and Managing Director at HSBC Bank Egypt, bringing over 25 years of banking experience. The AEB is a $5 billion initiative, with Afreximbank committing $1.7 billion as a major investor, and APPO representing 18 member countries involved in oil and gas production.