Adeniran Aderogba, the president of the recently inaugurated Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), delivered high praise for Benedict Oramah, who left the helm of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) last month.
He lauded his “transformative” leadership and contributions to Africa’s trade and economic growth during his decade-long tenure as chief.
Speaking at a send-off dinner held in Oramah’s honour in Cairo, Aderogba described the outgoing President and Chairman of Afreximbank as a “visionary” who strengthened the continent’s trade financing system and inspired African institutions to pursue ambitious economic initiatives.
“Professor Oramah’s decade at the helm of Afreximbank has been nothing short of transformative,” Aderogba stated. “He has not only strengthened Africa’s trade financing architecture but also inspired a generation of African institutions to think boldly, collaborate deeply, and act strategically for the continent’s prosperity.”
Aderogba noted the scale-up of Afreximbank under Oramah’s leadership. The bank, which began operations in Nigeria with a $10 million financing deal, now handles transactions worth billions of dollars across sectors, including telecommunications, finance, hospitality, oil and gas, maritime, and transportation.
He also acknowledged Oramah’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Aderogba expressed confidence in Oramah’s successor, George Elombi, describing him as a person who embodies Afreximbank’s “can-do ethos.”
