CAIRO, Egypt – In a significant move to support post-hurricane recovery, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a financial donation totaling US$1.1 million for the governments of Jamaica and Haiti. This commitment follows the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Melissa through the northern Caribbean in October, which caused extensive damage to these member states of the bank.
Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi formalized the allocation through official letters of solidarity, designating US$600,000 for Jamaica and US$500,000 for Haiti. This decision was precipitated by recent high-level discussions between Dr. Elombi and Haitian Transitional Presidential Council Chairman Laurent Saint-Cyr, as well as Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. During these meetings, Dr. Elombi conveyed the institution’s profound condolences and reinforced its dedication to aiding the nations’ reconstruction endeavors.
Beyond immediate financial aid, Dr. Elombi indicated that the bank plans to collaborate with national agencies to develop comprehensive country programs aimed at bolstering long-term recovery projects. The bank’s Caribbean Office, headquartered in Barbados, has been tasked with initiating dialogues with both governments to identify and implement further support mechanisms for the extensive reconstruction process.
The destructive force of Hurricane Melissa resulted in a tragic loss of at least 45 lives in Jamaica and inflicted an estimated US$9 billion in damages across the region. Dr. Elombi emphasized the bank’s recognition of the severe impact on critical infrastructure and community livelihoods, stating, “We remain steadfast in our support for recovery and restoration efforts and in building our collective resilience against future climate shocks.
This event occurs within the annual Caribbean hurricane season, which spans from June to November and is increasingly producing more intense storms due to climate change. Researchers have linked the exceptional severity of Hurricane Melissa, noted as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, to unusually high ocean temperatures in the region this year.
This initiative continues Afreximbank’s pattern of regional support, building on its 2024 contribution of over US$500,000 for relief efforts in Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Beryl. The bank reaffirmed its ongoing strategy to work with regional governments to devise long-term financing solutions that enhance climate resilience, restore economic stability, and fortify essential infrastructure against future natural disasters.