By SAM POPOOLA, Lagos
Afreximbank’s immediate past president to lead discussions on whether global disruptions pose a survival challenge or an opportunity for Africa to leapfrog.
Leading commercial law firm AELEX will host the 20th edition of its flagship annual lecture on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with renowned economist and development finance expert, Prof. Benedict Oramah, GCON, expected to examine how Africa can transform global economic disruptions into opportunities for sustainable growth.
The lecture, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, is themed, “Global Shocks, Local Impact: Battle for Survival or Opportunities to Leapfrog and for Growth.”
The event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, legal practitioners, entrepreneurs, academics and other stakeholders to examine how geopolitical conflicts, shifts in international trade policies and disruptions to global supply chains are reshaping African economies.
At the heart of the discussion is a critical question: Can Africa withstand the pressures of global uncertainty, or can the continent use these disruptions as a springboard for economic transformation, innovation and accelerated development?
Oramah, who recently completed his tenure as President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), is expected to bring his extensive experience in international trade, development finance and African economic integration to the discussion.
Under his leadership, Afreximbank strengthened its role in promoting intra-African trade and economic cooperation, championing initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
His participation is expected to provide valuable insights into strategies African economies can adopt to build resilience, reduce external vulnerabilities and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the changing global economic order.
The lecture will be chaired by Mrs. Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ecobank, who has held senior leadership positions in several financial institutions across Africa, including Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank.
Mr. Femi Ojumu, an international lawyer, Associate Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and author of Law and Geopolitics: Global Disequilibrium, will lead the audience dialogue.
Two Decades of Intellectual Engagement
Established in 2005 to commemorate AELEX's founding in 2004, the annual lecture has evolved into one of the prominent intellectual gatherings on Nigeria's legal and business calendar.
The initiative forms part of the firm's corporate social responsibility programme and provides a platform for multidisciplinary discussions on issues of national, regional and global importance.
Over the past two decades, the lecture series has featured distinguished thought leaders from across the world, including Prof. Don Wallace, Judge Mervyn King S.C., Prof. Patrick Lumumba, Mr. John Githongo, Prof. Frédéric Jenny, Hon. Dr. Kwabena Donkor and, most recently, former Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON.
Their contributions have helped establish the lecture as a forum for rigorous debate and the exchange of ideas among members of the legal profession, government officials, academics, civil society organisations and the business community.
Speaking on the significance of this year's edition, AELEX's Senior Partner, Prof. Fubara Anga, SAN, said the lecture remained an important avenue for the firm to contribute to conversations shaping Africa's future.
“For twenty years, this Lecture has been our way of contributing to the conversations that shape our continent. Global shocks no longer stay global, and this year we ask how Africa can turn them into an advantage. What better voice to help answer that than Prof. Oramah’s,” Anga said.
Focus on Africa's Economic Future
The 20th edition is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to explore practical responses to global economic uncertainties and identify opportunities for African businesses and governments.
Discussions will focus on how geopolitical tensions, changing trade relationships and disruptions to international commerce can influence local economies, while examining ways African countries can strengthen their competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.
The event is open to members of the public, including business executives, government institutions, policymakers, legal practitioners, chambers of commerce, diplomatic missions and other interested stakeholders.
About AELEX
AELEX is a full-service law firm headquartered in Lagos, with additional offices in Abuja and Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana.
The firm was established through a merger of three leading commercial law firms and the office of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. It is recognised for its expertise in providing legal services and resolving complex legal challenges across a broad range of practice areas.
Media enquiries:
Kikelomo Obisesan
Business Development Manager, AELEX
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