Abuja: The African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) Abuja African Trade Centre (AATC) has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Business Certification Inc., marking a significant milestone in sustainable building design and construction.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this recognition designates the AATC as the first building in Nigeria, the second in West Africa, and the 19th in Africa to achieve such a level of environmental excellence. The certification highlights the Abuja complex as one of the premier large-scale trade and business centers in Africa, reflecting Afreximbank’s dedication to sustainability and climate-smart infrastructure.
The certification, received on November 26, 2025, was awarded after the building earned 81 points, surpassing the standard threshold for Platinum certification. The AATC comprises two interconnected nine-storey towers, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for trade, business, and innovation. One tower includes commercial office spaces, a trade and exhibition center, conference facilities, a technology and SME incubator, a digital trade gateway, and a trade information services hub. The adjacent tower features a 148-room business hotel equipped with meeting rooms, wellness facilities, a restaurant, and other amenities.
Though initially designed to meet LEED Gold standards, the AATC exceeded expectations through concerted efforts by architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and Afreximbank’s sustainability teams. The project demonstrates outstanding performance in areas such as energy and water efficiency, material use, and environmental stewardship. Features include high-performance glazing, energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and intelligent building management controls, resulting in significant reductions in operational energy and water use.
The building incorporates waste management and recycling protocols, electric vehicle charging stations, and bicycle facilities to promote low-carbon mobility. These attributes align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy, industry innovation, and climate action. Globally, green buildings of this caliber can reduce operating costs significantly, enhancing long-term financial viability.
Dr. Robert Tomusange, Director and Global Head of Real Estate and Administration at Afreximbank, emphasized that the LEED Platinum certification highlights the bank’s commitment to sustainable and innovative trade infrastructure. The Abuja AATC stands as a model for responsible, low-carbon trade infrastructure in Africa, demonstrating that commercial success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The Abuja AATC was inaugurated on April 20, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.