Cairo: Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice-President of Afreximbank, recently outlined the strategic blueprint behind Prof. Benedict Oramah's transformative decade-long leadership, which saw the bank's assets skyrocket from US$6 billion in 2015 to over US$40 billion. Elombi's remarks came during a Farewell Conference held in honor of the departing President Oramah.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Elombi attributed this remarkable growth to Oramah's 'Portfolio Approach', a strategic blend of foresight and actionable steps. He referenced a statement by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who praised Oramah as one of the few global leaders adept at combining vision with execution. This rare combination of skills, the governor noted, is what sets Oramah apart in the world of finance.

Reflecting on Oramah's early career at Afreximbank, Elombi highlighted the dedication and relentless energy that Oramah brought to his various roles within the bank. Starting as a generalist, Oramah's dynamic involvement as a credit officer, legal officer, strategic planner, and chief adviser showcased his multifaceted expertise. His strategic vision became evident as he assumed the presidency, opting for a broad intervention strategy aimed at transforming Africa's trade landscape.

Elombi explained that Oramah's comprehensive strategy tackled the fundamental challenges of Africa's trade environment, a method that significantly enhanced the bank's capital and global relevance. This 'portfolio approach' addressed not just trade itself, but also the infrastructure supporting it, leading to Afreximbank's rapid expansion and increased influence.

The bank's aggressive growth under Oramah's leadership facilitated the emergence of critical initiatives such as FEDA, AfrexInsure, and the African Medical Centre of Excellence, contributing to its reputation as 'Africa's development supermarket.' Elombi emphasized that beyond the tangible achievements, Oramah's legacy lies in the resilient spirit he instilled in future African leaders, encouraging them to challenge the status quo and build on his powerful foundation.