The Southern African Times reports that the Royal African Society has elected Professor Benedict Okey Oramah as its second Patron following an Extraordinary General Meeting held as the organisation marks its 125th anniversary. The decision was confirmed by the Society in a formal statement published on 27 April 2026.
Professor Oramah is widely recognised for his role in African development finance, having served as President and Chairman of the African Export Import Bank from 2015 to 2025. During this period, the institution expanded its activities across trade finance, industrialisation support, and financial market development, positioning itself as a key actor in facilitating intra African trade and investment.
His tenure is associated with the advancement of several continental initiatives, including the Pan African Payment and Settlement System, which seeks to enable cross border transactions in local currencies, and the Intra African Trade Fair, a platform designed to connect businesses, policymakers, and investors across the continent. These initiatives form part of broader efforts to strengthen regional integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Professor Oramah’s work has also engaged with questions of diaspora engagement and the role of cultural and creative industries within African economies. Observers note that such approaches reflect a multidimensional understanding of development, where finance, culture, and identity intersect within evolving conceptions of Global Africa.
The Royal African Society, established in 1901, has historically served as a forum for dialogue on African affairs, bringing together policymakers, scholars, and practitioners. The appointment of a Patron is described by the organisation as part of its governance and advisory framework, with the role intended to support its mission of fostering informed engagement between Africa and the wider world.
Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Society, stated that the election reflects an intention to engage with individuals who are shaping Africa’s economic landscape. She indicated that Professor Oramah’s experience in development finance and his engagement with pan African cooperation would contribute to the Society’s ongoing work.
The announcement comes at a time when discussions around African economic transformation continue to emphasise the importance of regional integration, institutional capacity, and locally driven development strategies. Within this context, the appointment may be seen as aligning the Society’s activities with evolving priorities across the continent, particularly in relation to trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Professor Oramah’s Patronage is expected to support the Society’s strategic focus areas, including dialogue on economic policy, creative industries, and partnerships that connect Africa with its global diaspora. While the role is not executive, it carries symbolic and convening significance within networks that shape discourse on Africa’s place in the global system.
