In a glittering ceremony held in Cairo on December 4, 2023, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), was awarded the prestigious FORBES AFRICA 2023 Person of The Year. The event was marked not only by the recognition of Prof. Oramah’s outstanding achievements but also by the unveiling of the cover for FORBES AFRICA’s December 2023/January 2024 edition, featuring him as the cover personality.
Dr. Rakesh Wahi, Founder and Publisher of FORBES AFRICA, along with Roberta Naicker, the Managing Director, presented the award, emphasizing its significance in acknowledging the stellar contributions of leaders shaping the development landscape of the continent.
Prof. Oramah, with a remarkable three-decade-long career at Afreximbank, was lauded as a true pan-Africanist during the ceremony. Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA, reflected on an extensive interview with Prof. Oramah, where his unwavering passion and dedication to the economic development of Africa became evident.
“Amongst many initiatives under his visionary leadership, Afreximbank launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a historic project for cross-border payments in local African currencies,” highlighted Ms. Renuka Methil. She commended Prof. Oramah as a resilient risk-taker and a vocal advocate for a united Africa.
The FORBES AFRICA Person of The Year is selected through nominations from the magazine’s editorial and research teams, including journalists from bureaus across Africa. Prof. Oramah’s name stood out among the nominees and was unanimously chosen as the winner for 2023 after an Africa-wide review of prominent contributors to the continent.
This prestigious recognition places Prof. Oramah in the esteemed company of past recipients, including Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Dr. James Mwangi, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Aliko Dangote, Mohammed Dewji, and Thuli Madonsela. It underscores his exceptional leadership and positive impact on Africa’s economic landscape.
Earlier in November, President Oramah was honored with the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership in Lagos, Nigeria, adding to a long list of awards for his contributions to trade development in Africa. His initiatives, including driving intra-African trade and promoting the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), have garnered widespread acclaim.
In conjunction with the award ceremony, attendees were provided with a declaration form, symbolizing their collective commitment to actively participate in the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of HIV and support those affected by the virus. This form adds a layer of significance to the event, emphasizing the collaborative spirit needed to address pressing issues affecting the continent.
As we celebrate Prof. Benedict Oramah’s recognition as FORBES AFRICA’s 2023 Person of the Year, it is evident that his visionary leadership continues to drive positive change and contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of Africa.
