The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) has begun a leadership transition, ending Professor Benedict Oramah’s ten‑year tenure as president and chairman of the Board of Directors. A farewell conference in Cairo was attended by dignitaries from across the continent, including former heads of state Macky Sall and Mahamadou Issoufou, as well as Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote.
Dr. George Elombi, Afreximbank’s executive vice president and president‑designate, paid tribute to Oramah’s visionary leadership, noting that his 32 years of service have strengthened the bank’s foundations and advanced Africa’s trade integration. Oramah is credited with transforming Afreximbank into a “development supermarket” for the continent, offering a suite of solutions to Africa’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 aspirations into tangible gains for Africans. Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, Professor Oramah’s wife, 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 such as the Pan‑African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and supporting industries across the continent. He also highlighted the bank’s growth, noting that its balance sheet increased nearly eightfold during his tenure.
As Oramah hands over to Dr. George Elombi, he expressed confidence in the future of Afreximbank and Africa, affirming 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 the bank into an institution synonymous with African pride, resilience, and innovation.
The leadership transition marks a significant milestone for Afreximbank, which continues to play a crucial role in promoting African trade and economic development. With new leadership, the bank is poised to build on its achievements and drive further growth and integration across the continent.
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