The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has commenced a leadership transition, marking the end of Professor Benedict Oramah’s 10-year tenure as president and chairman of the Board of Directors. A farewell conference was held in Cairo, attended by dignitaries from across the continent, including former heads of state Macky Sall and Mahamadou Issoufou, and Nigerian business tycoon Aliko Dangote.
Afreximbank’s executive vice president and president-designate, Dr. George Elombi, paid tribute to Oramah’s visionary leadership, stating that his 32 years of service have strengthened the bank’s foundations and advanced Africa’s trade integration. Oramah has been credited with transforming Afreximbank into a “Development Supermarket” for Africa, providing a suite of solutions for the continent’s development challenges.
The conference also featured reflections from Afreximbank’s founding President, Christopher Edordu, and former President Jean-Louis Ekra, who praised Oramah’s impact-driven approach and his ability to turn decades-old political wishes into tangible gains for Africans. Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, Professor Oramah’s wife, also spoke about the bank’s humanity and compassion, recalling how Afreximbank supported her family during her husband’s illness.
In his remarks, Oramah declared that Africa’s journey to self-reliance is unstoppable, citing the bank’s achievements in making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) a reality, building systems like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and supporting industries across the continent. He also highlighted the bank’s growth, with its balance sheet increasing nearly eightfold during his tenure.
As Oramah hands over to Dr. George Elombi, he expressed confidence in the future of Afreximbank and Africa, stating that the dream of a self-reliant Africa continues. The transition ceremony was closed by Stephen Tio Kauma, chairperson of the Transition Committee and Afreximbank managing director for human resources, who described Oramah as a visionary who transformed Afreximbank into an institution synonymous with African pride, resilience, and innovation.
The leadership transition marks a significant milestone for Afreximbank, as the bank continues to play a crucial role in promoting African trade and economic development. With its new leadership, Afreximbank is poised to build on its achievements and drive further growth and integration across the continent.