Dr. George Elombi exemplifies institutional excellence; a legal scholar turned banking leader whose steady ascent reflects deep governance expertise and Pan-African vision. As he takes the helm of Afreximbank, his priorities; industrialization, equity mobilization, and crisis response; signal a future focused on harmonious development and trade-led growth across Africa.
George Elombi Biography
Dr. George Elombi was born in Cameroon’s late 1950s–1960s era, Elombi began his academic journey at the University of Yaoundé, where he earned a Maîtrise-en-Droit in 1989. He later earned both an LL.M. and a Ph.D. in commercial arbitration from the London School of Economics. He went on to lecture in law at the University of Hull in the UK before embarking on his career with Afreximbank.
| Full name | Dr. George Elombi |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Current Role | President & Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) |
| Age | Estimated in his early 60s |
Academic & Early Career
Before joining Afreximbank in 1996, Dr. Elombi served as a law lecturer at Hull. At Afreximbank, he started as a Legal Officer, bringing his academic rigor and legal expertise to the young institution.
Rise Through Afreximbank
In nearly three decades, Elombi advanced steadily:
- 1996: Joined as Senior Legal Officer
- 2003-2008: Promoted to Chief Legal Officer
- 2008-2010: Served as Deputy Director, Legal Services & Executive Secretary
- 2010-2015: Held dual roles as Director & Executive Secretary
- 2015-2025: Became Executive Vice President, Governance, Legal & Corporate Services
He played a crucial role in shaping Afreximbank’s structure, launching key subsidiaries, crafting corporate governance, and strengthening legal frameworks across the institution.
Leadership During COVID-19
As Chair of the Emergency Response Committee, Elombi spearheaded the bank’s pandemic response raising over US$2 billion for vaccine procurement and distribution across Africa and the Caribbean.
Equity Mobilisation & Strategic Growth
Overseeing the Equity Mobilisation and Investor Relations division, he led efforts to raise US$3.6 billion in ordinary equity by April 2025 positioning Afreximbank for expansion toward a US$250 billion asset target within a decade.
Appointment as President & Chairman
In June 2025, during Afreximbank’s 32nd AGM in Abuja, he was unanimously selected as the next President and Chairman of the Board, becoming the fourth President since the bank’s founding. His term begins in September 2025 and lasts five years, with the possibility of renewal.
Honors & Recognition
In October 2023, he received the Officer of the Congolese Order of Merit from President Sassou Nguesso in the Republic of Congo, recognizing his leadership in driving regional development and cross-border financing.
Vision & Strategic Objectives
At his appointment briefing, Elombi affirmed his dedication to advancing Africa’s industrialization, addressing infrastructure and trade bottlenecks, and preserving the dignity of all Africans. He praised Afreximbank’s growth assets rose from US$4 billion to US$40 billion under his shadow and vowed to continue the institution’s transformation mission.
Pan-African Influence & Legacy
Elombi has been described as the institution’s memory and backbone, especially in governance and legal affairs. His tenure spans pivotal initiatives like PAPSS, the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, and robust pandemic response operations.
He is seen as a steady and reform-minded leader, crucial for steering Afreximbank into its next phase of continental leadership.
Net Worth & Personal Life
No public information details his personal finances, family, or assets. As a senior bank executive, his remuneration and privileges are commensurate with his role but precise net worth data is unavailable.
