Afreximbank’s balance sheet grew nearly eightfold to $44 billion during Prof. Benedict Oramah’s tenure as president from 2015 to 2025.
Oramah announced at a farewell conference in Cairo, highlighting the bank’s resilience and its role in Africa’s development.
He said, “We kept a sharp focus on institutional strength and financial health.”
The bank paid out $1.4 billion in dividends over the decade and supported major initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.
Oramah emphasised intra-African trade as the cornerstone of Afreximbank’s strategy.
He noted that the bank launched digital platforms, harmonised 500 industry standards, and backed industrial parks and heavy industries like the Dangote Refinery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Afreximbank disbursed over $10 billion in emergency support and provided $2 billion for vaccine procurement across Africa and the Caribbean.
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He credited partnerships with African governments, central banks, and international institutions for helping the bank attract and disburse over $155 billion. Key partners included Standard Chartered, HSBC, KfW, and export credit agencies from Canada, China, and Germany.
Oramah reflected on his journey from joining the bank in 1994 to becoming president in 2015. He praised the staff and thanked clients, shareholders, and his family for their support.
Incoming president Dr George Elombi described Oramah as a rare leader who combined vision with execution. He said Oramah transformed Afreximbank into “Africa’s development supermarket.”
The farewell event drew tributes from African leaders, business executives, and diplomats. Speakers praised Oramah’s legacy in trade, industrialisation, and institutional growth.
The ceremony marked a leadership transition as Afreximbank prepares to continue its mandate under Elombi’s stewardship.
