The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has named Dr. George Elombi, a Cameroonian legal expert and longtime bank executive, as its next President and Chairman of the Board. He will take over from Nigerian Professor Benedict Oramah, who is set to step down in September 2025 after a decade at the helm.
Dr. Elombi’s appointment was confirmed at the Bank’s 32nd annual meeting held in Abuja from June 25 to 28, following a thorough global search and interview process. The five-year term, renewable once, marks him as the fourth leader since Afreximbank’s founding in 1993.
With nearly 30 years at Afreximbank, Elombi has held key roles including Executive Vice President for Governance, Legal and Corporate Services. Before joining the Bank in 1996, he lectured in law at the University of Hull, UK. He holds advanced degrees in law from the London School of Economics and the University of Yaoundé.
In his acceptance speech, Elombi reaffirmed his commitment to the Bank’s mission of industrializing Africa and boosting the continent’s economic dignity. He pledged to support the shareholders’ ambitious goal of expanding Afreximbank’s assets to $250 billion within ten years, a significant leap from the current $42.7 billion.
Elombi has been instrumental in shaping Afreximbank’s structure and response to crises. Notably, he chaired the Emergency Response Committee that mobilized over $2 billion for COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and distribution across Africa and the Caribbean.
The Bank’s rigorous selection process began in January 2025, involving international media calls and interviews by a global executive search firm. The Board of Directors recommended Elombi to the shareholders for final approval, underscoring his deep experience and vision for the institution’s future.
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