Wale Tinubu eulogises Oramah as he bows out of Afreximbank, celebrating a decade of transformative leadership and African-led progress
Wale Tinubu eulogises Oramah as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) bids farewell to its transformative leader, Professor Benedict Oramah GCON.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Group praised Oramah for a decade of groundbreaking leadership that reshaped African trade, finance, and economic integration.
Through a statement from his media office, Tinubu described Oramah as a rare gem, a son of the soil, and a catalyst for change.
“Today, we celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a new one,” Tinubu said. “Prof. Oramah has stood as a beacon of visionary leadership, proving that belief in Africa’s potential is not idealism, but a deliberate act of strategy and faith in the continent’s promise.”
Under Oramah’s stewardship, Afreximbank became a driver of African-led solutions, pioneering initiatives such as PAPSS for local-currency trade, the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, CANEX, the Intra-African Trade Fair, and the AFCFTA Adjustment Fund with $1 billion in seed capital. Bank assets soared beyond $30 billion during his tenure.
“Leadership is not about position, but about purpose, progress, and people,” Tinubu emphasised. “Prof. Oramah leaves behind a legacy of impact that will continue to power Africa’s growth story.”
His tenure has been widely recognised for inspiring unity, resilience, and bold innovation across the continent.
As Afreximbank enters its next chapter, Oramah’s influence will remain a guiding force for African trade and economic development.
