Afreximbank’s Oramah reflects on decade of growth
The outgoing head of the African Export-Import Bank said his decade-long focus on boosting trade within the continent stemmed from his belief that such an approach offers the only realistic route toward African economic independence. Professor Benedict Okey Oramah spoke on Friday, October 25, 2025, at a farewell gathering in Cairo attended by more than 2,000 guests.
Oramah said his strategy deliberately challenged colonial-era tactics that kept African nations divided and economically dependent on outside powers. He argued that Africa must build its own development momentum because external actors have historically exploited the continent. His tenure began in September 2015 and concludes this month.
The bank’s assets and guarantees grew from $6 billion to nearly $44 billion under his leadership. Afreximbank supported the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System with $3 billion in financing, allowing merchants in 20 countries to trade using local currencies. The designated successor praised Oramah for converting longstanding political goals into concrete economic achievements across Africa.
