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.

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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.