Benedict Okechukwu

Dr. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah is a Nigerian economist and banker who served as the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) from 2015 until October 2025. He is widely recognized for expanding Afreximbank’s role in financing trade across Africa and promoting intra-African commerce.

Early Life & Education

• Born: 24 July 1961, Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria.

• Education:

  • B.Sc. in Economics – University of Ibadan.

  • M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics – University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

Career Journey

• 1994: Joined Afreximbank as Chief Analyst.

• 2007: Promoted to Senior Director, Planning and Business Development.

• 2008–2015: Served as Executive Vice President in charge of Business Development and Corporate Banking. Oversaw trade finance, project and export development, syndications, corporate advisory, and research.

• 2015–2025: Elected President and Chairman of Afreximbank. Re-elected for a second term in 2020.

• 2025: Succeeded by George Elombi at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria.

Contributions & Achievements

• Trade Finance Leadership: Expanded Afreximbank’s portfolio to support African trade, industrialization, and export diversification.

• Intra-African Trade: Advocated for and financed initiatives to boost trade among African countries, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

• Knowledge Sharing: Supervised Afreximbank’s Research and Knowledge Management department, producing influential reports on African trade and development.

• Global Recognition: Known as one of Africa’s leading voices on trade finance and economic integration.

Personal Life

• Spouse: Chinelo Oramah.

• Children: Three.

• Nationality: Nigerian.

• Honors: Holds the Nigerian national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Quick Facts