Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah has been a pivotal figure at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) since assuming the role of President and Chairman of the Board of Directors on September 21, 2015.
Prior to his presidency, he served as Executive Vice President overseeing Business Development and Corporate Banking starting from October 2008.
In this capacity, Dr. Oramah supervised key departments including Trade Finance, Project and Export Development Finance, Syndications and Specialized Finance, Corporate Finance and Advisory Services, as well as Research and Knowledge Management.
He also played a crucial role in strategic planning and international cooperation functions under the guidance of the Bank’s President.
His journey at Afreximbank began in 1994 when he joined as Chief Analyst, later rising to Senior Director of Planning and Business Development in 2007. Before his tenure at Afreximbank, he worked as Assistant Research Manager at the Nigerian Export Import Bank starting from 1992.
Educationally, Dr. Oramah holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics obtained in 1987 and 1991 respectively from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He also earned a B.Sc. degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1983.
He is an esteemed author, having published the book “Foundations of Structured Trade Finance” and authored over 35 articles on various African economic, trade, and trade finance issues. Dr. Oramah is a sought-after speaker at international conferences on trade and trade finance.
In addition to his role at Afreximbank, Dr. Oramah serves as Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of the International Factors Group (IFG) and sits on the Board of the IFG, as well as the Editorial Boards of Trade and Forfaiting Review and the Journal of African Trade. He is also a member of the Consultative Board on World Cocoa Economy of the International Cocoa Organization.
Dr. Benedict Oramah’s leadership at Afreximbank has been marked by his deep expertise in trade finance and his commitment to advancing Africa’s economic growth through strategic initiatives and international partnerships.
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