Okeoghene Akubuike
The U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Business Certification Inc. has awarded the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) Abuja African Trade Centre (AATC) the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification.
A statement by Vincent Musumba, Communications and Events Manager, Afreximbank, on Thursday, said the certification was the highest global rating for sustainable building design and construction.
The statement said the certification makes the AATC the first building in Nigeria, the second in West Africa and the 19th in Africa to attain such level of recognition.
It said the achievement placed the Abuja complex among the first large-scale trade and business centres on the continent to reach such a level, underscoring Afreximbank’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and climate-smart infrastructure.
The statement said the building received the certification on Nov. 26, 2025, and earned 81 points, surpassing the threshold for Platinum certification.
According to it, the AATC consists of two interconnected nine-storey towers designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for trade and business and innovation.
“One tower houses world-class commercial grade-A office spaces, a trade and exhibition centre, a conference facility, a technology and SME incubator, a digital trade gateway and a trade information services hub.
“The adjoining tower features a 148-room business hotel with meeting rooms, wellness facilities, a restaurant and other ancillary amenities.
“The centre also provides office accommodation for local and international financial institutions and policy organisations, providing a full facilitation system for trade and business development across the continent.”
It said that although the AATC was originally designed to meet LEED Gold standards, it exceeded expectations due to the deliberate efforts of architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and the bank’s sustainability and project management teams.
According to the statement, the project demonstrates exceptional performance in sustainability, energy and water efficiency, material use and environmental stewardship.
“The building incorporates high-performance glazing, energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, LED lighting and intelligent building management controls.
“This helps to enable a 40 to 50 per cent reduction in operational energy use compared with conventional structures. Water-saving systems also cut potable water consumption by at least 30 per cent.”
It said the building features waste management and recycling protocols, electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle facilities to encourage low-carbon mobility.
The statement said these features aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and climate action.
“Globally, green buildings of this standard can lower operating costs by eight to nine per cent annually, strengthening long-term financial sustainability.”
The statement quoted Dr Robert Tomusange, Director and Global Head, Real Estate and Administration at Afreximbank, as saying, “the Abuja AATC’s attainment of LEED Platinum certification underscores Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and climate-smart development.
“This milestone demonstrates that trade infrastructure can be both commercially competitive and environmentally outstanding, setting a new benchmark for Africa’s green building landscape.”
It said the Abuja AATC stood as a model for responsible, low-carbon trade infrastructure across Africa, proving that commercial viability and environmental responsibility could coexist.
“This will pave the way for future climate-smart trade and business centres across the continent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abuja AATC was unveiled on April 20, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
