President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah, has been conferred with the prestigious National Order of Merit by the President of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Africa’s economic transformation and intra-African trade development.
The award ceremony, held in Bissau, celebrated Prof. Oramah’s leadership in driving Africa’s financial integration through initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) — a groundbreaking platform facilitating seamless trade settlements across the continent in local currencies.
Reacting to the honour, Mr. Mike Ogbalu III, Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS at Afreximbank, described the recognition as “well-deserved,” commending Prof. Oramah’s relentless commitment to Africa’s economic self-reliance and prosperity.
“It’s a great honour and a fitting recognition for a visionary leader who has championed intra-African trade, pioneered PAPSS, and mobilised billions to drive Africa’s economic growth,” Ogbalu said.
Prof. Oramah, a renowned economist and Pan-African advocate, has led several initiatives under Afreximbank to deepen trade, promote industrialisation, and strengthen financial cooperation across African nations.
The National Order of Merit stands as one of Guinea-Bissau’s highest national honours, bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to national or continental advancement.
