Dr. George Elombi — Incoming President of Afreximbank
Full Name: George Elombi
Nationality: Cameroonian
Profession: Lawyer, Academic, Banker
Current Role: Executive Vice President, Governance, Legal and Corporate Services, Afreximbank
Incoming Role: President and Chairman of the Board, Afreximbank (Effective September 2025)
Education
• PhD in Law (International Commercial Arbitration) – University of London
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Legal Studies – University of Yaoundé
• Former Lecturer in Law – University of Hull, United Kingdom
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Career at Afreximbank
• Joined in 1996 as a Legal Officer
• 2008: Appointed Deputy Director, Legal Services
• 2009: Promoted to Executive Secretary and Head of Legal Services
• 2015–Present: Executive Vice President (Governance, Legal and Corporate Services); retained role of Executive Secretary
Leadership Style & Reputation
• Widely described by colleagues as cerebral, knowledgeable, and intellectually engaging
• Known for forthright commentary, particularly on African financial sovereignty
• Prominent voice at the bank’s 32nd Annual Meetings, where he advocated for the protection of African multilateral institutions’ preferred creditor status
Vision and Priorities
• Expected to promote an Africa-first mandate, deepening Afreximbank’s influence as a multilateral finance institution of global relevance
• Likely to focus on strengthening African institutions, improving risk governance, and maintaining profitability
• His tenure is projected to be one of consolidation, building on the foundation laid by outgoing president Benedict Oramah
• Will be tasked with sustaining a strong deal pipeline, balancing innovation with prudent banking practices
Institutional Context
• Afreximbank has maintained a tradition of orderly transitions since its founding in 1993
• Elombi follows the legacy of past presidents: Christopher Edordu, Jean-Louis Ekra, and Benedict Oramah, all of whom served two full terms
Notable Quote
“A small number of African multilaterals have emerged and are making a statement, taking their place, becoming significant and creating anxiety among the established multilaterals… We have become very relevant and important to our governments.”
