In a grand farewell conference held in Cairo, Egypt, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) celebrated the remarkable tenure of Professor Benedict Okey Oramah as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The event, attended by over 2,000 dignitaries including heads of state, business leaders, and former Afreximbank presidents, highlighted Oramah’s transformative leadership and his unwavering commitment to fostering intra-African trade and economic development. Oramah, who assumed office in September 2015, emphasized that his strategy was rooted in reversing the colonial legacy of division and dependency, advocating for Africa’s self-reliance and internal economic integration. Under his leadership, Afreximbank’s balance sheet grew from US$6 billion to nearly US$44 billion, while the bank introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the AfCFTA Adjustment Funds, and the Intra-African Trade Fair. These efforts have significantly advanced the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and strengthened Africa’s industrial and trade capabilities. Oramah’s successor, George Elombi, praised his visionary leadership, noting that Afreximbank has become a cornerstone of Africa’s development under Oramah’s guidance. The conference also showcased the bank’s contributions to healthcare, industrial parks, and COVID-19 relief efforts, cementing Oramah’s legacy as a champion of African economic emancipation.
Afreximbank celebrates outgoing president and chairman
