Cameroonian National George Elombi Appointed Fourth President of Afreximbank

In a landmark decision at the 32nd Afreximbank Group Annual Meetings, shareholders have officially appointed George Elombi as the fourth President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The announcement, finalized during the Annual General Meeting on June 28, marks a new chapter for the continent’s premier trade finance institution.

Elombi, a Cameroonian national, is set to succeed Benedict Oramah, who has led the bank since 2015 and will conclude his tenure in September 2025. With nearly three decades of experience at Afreximbank, Elombi brings deep institutional knowledge and a proven leadership record to the role.

Having joined the bank in 1996 as a Legal Officer, Elombi has held several high-impact positions throughout his career, including Director and Executive Secretary, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy Director of Legal Services, and most recently, Executive Vice President for Governance, Legal and Corporate Services.

Prior to his banking career, Elombi served as a law lecturer at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, blending academic rigor with practical legal expertise.

During his tenure at Afreximbank, Elombi has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s governance framework and expanding its operational capacity. Notably, he chaired the Bank’s Emergency Response Committee during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully mobilizing over US$2 billion to support vaccine acquisition and deployment across Africa and the Caribbean.

As head of Equity Mobilization and Investor Relations, he also oversaw the raising of US$3.6 billion in ordinary equity by April 2025.

In his acceptance speech, Elombi reflected on his long-standing commitment to the bank and its mission. “I have had the privilege of working alongside remarkable colleagues and extraordinary leaders who have helped shape this institution’s vision, mandate, and growth,” he said.

“Looking ahead, I see Afreximbank as a catalyst for Africa’s industrial transformation and a champion for restoring dignity to Africans everywhere. I am committed to safeguarding and advancing this vital institution.”

Elombi also affirmed his dedication to continuing Oramah’s strategic vision of growing Afreximbank into a US$250 billion financial powerhouse within the next decade.

A distinguished legal scholar, Elombi holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and a Ph.D. in Commercial Arbitration from the London School of Economics, University of London. He earned his ‘Maitrise-en-Droit’ from the University of Yaoundé in 1989.

His appointment followed an extensive global search process initiated in January 2025, which included an international call for applications, vetting by a leading executive recruitment firm, and rigorous interviews with shortlisted candidates. The Board of Directors ultimately recommended Elombi to the General Meeting of Shareholders, which granted final approval.

Under the Afreximbank Charter, the President serves a five-year term, renewable once, ensuring continuity and long-term strategic planning for the institution as it continues to drive intra-African and global trade development.