Prof. Benedict Oramah, the President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has been named FORBES AFRICA Person of the Year for 2023. The recognition was conferred during an award ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, where Prof. Oramah was unveiled as the cover personality for FORBES AFRICA’s December 2023/January 2024 edition. The award acknowledges his outstanding achievements and dedication to the continent’s development.
Key Points:
Recognition and Award Ceremony: Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, has been named FORBES AFRICA Person of the Year for 2023. The award was presented during a ceremony in Cairo, Egypt.
Cover Personality: Prof. Oramah is featured as the cover personality for FORBES AFRICA’s December 2023/January 2024 edition, highlighting his contributions to Africa’s economic development.
Acknowledgment of Achievements: The award recognizes outstanding Africans committed to the continent’s development. Prof. Oramah’s three-decade career at Afreximbank and his significant contributions to Africa’s economic growth were emphasized.
Visionary Leadership: Prof. Oramah’s visionary leadership was commended, citing the launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as a historic cross-border payment initiative in local African currencies.
Resilience and Risk-Taking: The Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA commended Prof. Oramah’s resilience as a risk-taker and highlighted his articulate vision for a new united Africa.
FORBES AFRICA Person of The Year: Prof. Oramah joins a prestigious list of past recipients, including prominent figures such as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Dr. James Mwangi, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Aliko Dangote, Mohammed Dewji, and Thuli Madonsela.
Other Honors: In addition to the FORBES AFRICA Person of the Year award, President Oramah was honored with the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership in November.
Afreximbank’s Noteworthy Projects: Under Prof. Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank has been spearheading significant projects, including the recent signing of a $150 million trade finance facility agreement under the Ukraine Crisis Adjustment Trade Financing Programme for Africa.
Implications: The recognition of Prof. Benedict Oramah as FORBES AFRICA Person of the Year 2023 underscores the impact of his leadership at Afreximbank and his contributions to Africa’s economic development. The award acknowledges individuals dedicated to the continent’s progress and highlights the visionary initiatives and resilience demonstrated by Prof. Oramah. The honor contributes to his influential role in promoting economic growth and financial initiatives across the African continent.