Amr Kamel: “Afreximbank is One of Africa’s Most Influential Institutions, Financing Projects to Secure Essential Commodities”
Amr Kamel, Chairman of the Arab International Bank and former Executive Vice President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), affirmed that the bank has become one of the most influential institutions on the continent thanks to its innovative financing models and robust operational structure.
Speaking during the Farewell and Leadership Transition Ceremony, Kamel said Afreximbank had successfully navigated a challenging three-year period, managing to implement complex projects while maintaining financial stability and avoiding funding risks. This was achieved through the adoption of the Structured Fair Finance model, which redistributes risks from less-resourced partners to those with greater financial capacity.
Innovative Financing to Secure Essential Commodities
Kamel highlighted the bank’s experience in Zimbabwe as a model of success, where Afreximbank designed mechanisms to secure the country’s essential imports—such as oil and grains—through an approach that leverages exporters’ mandates and national reserves to ensure the availability of vital goods. He described this model as achieving “maximum impact with minimum risk.”
A Legacy of African Financial Leadership
He praised the succession of leaders who have guided Afreximbank since its establishment by the late Christopher C. J. O. Edordu, noting that their vision laid the foundation for the bank’s growing role in driving African development and economic integration.
Kamel paid special tribute to Benedict Oramah, describing him as “the innovative mind” behind many of the bank’s flagship financial initiatives.
“The legacy left by Professor Oramah will continue to inspire future generations of African financial leaders,” Kamel stated, emphasizing that Afreximbank will sustain its partnership with the African Union to enhance intra-African trade.
He added that the bank now operates seven branches across the continent, with its new headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital serving as a powerful symbol of African integration and cooperation.