The RAS Annual Lecture will be delivered by Professor Benedict Oramah, a distinguished figure in international finance and President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Professor Oramah, known for his strategic leadership and commitment to advancing Africa’s role in global trade, will speak at London Business School’s Sammy Ofer Centre on 21 November. Hosting the lecture will be RAS Chairperson Arunma Oteh, former Treasurer of the World Bank and a member of Oxford University’s Global Leadership Council. The event will be moderated by Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications, and Editor-in-Chief of African Business. Invited attendees include members of Parliament, high-ranking diplomats, and thought leaders from academia and industry, alongside a general audience with an interest in African affairs.
The following evening, RAS will hold its Benefit Gala at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in Portland Place. This event, designed to celebrate Africa’s cultural and economic contributions, will open with a networking reception in RIBA’s Gallery, sponsored in part by the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa, Afreximbank, Africa No Filter, and Rolling Stone Africa. Guests, including policy influencers, business leaders, and prominent academics, will have the opportunity to engage in discussions over African-inspired refreshments, strengthening connections in an environment that encourages collaboration across continents.
The gala dinner, curated by renowned African-heritage chefs, will commence at 7pm and promises an evening of unique cultural performances, led by celebrated Nigerian artist Laolu Senbanjo, award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell, Ballet Soul dance ensemble, and the London School of Samba. The evening’s host will be comedian and media personality Kenny O. Professor Oramah will deliver a keynote address on the “Power of Narrative,” underscoring the importance of storytelling in reshaping Africa’s global image and advocating for its economic empowerment.
Adding to the excitement, the gala will include both silent and live auctions featuring art from renowned African and Diaspora artists, along with exclusive luxury experiences, such as safaris in Kenya. The live auction will be managed by Sotheby’s, with Artsy overseeing the silent auction. Proceeds will support RAS initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding between Africa and the UK.
In a nod to philanthropy, the Society will also confer an award on an individual or organisation whose work has achieved outstanding results in areas such as education, poverty reduction, healthcare, and community empowerment. Sponsored by the Omenaart Foundation, this award highlights philanthropy’s vital role in social progress. The Foundation, founded by philanthropist Omenaa Mensah, is noted for its support of contemporary art and charitable projects across Africa and Europe.
The Royal African Society, as one of the UK’s foremost organisations dedicated to African issues, continues to leverage its high-profile events to celebrate African achievements in various fields, promote investment, and expand knowledge of Africa’s dynamic presence on the world stage. These events are a testament to RAS’s commitment to bridging cultural and economic gaps, positioning Africa as a prominent force in shaping global narratives.
