The Bank was established in October 1993 by African governments, African private and institutional investors, and non-African investors, and has now extended coverage to the Caribbean region following the recognition of the Diaspora as the 6th region of the African Union. Prior to his current role, he was the Head Trade Services unit the Bank, a position he has held since the past 7 years. Okechukwu has more than 20 years Trade finance experience. Before joining Afreximbank in August 2015, Mr. Ihejirika held a number of senior Trade Finance positions in Nigerian banks, the last of which was, Head Trade Finance at Union bank of Nigeria.

He holds a Master of Business Administration- International business from the American Intercontinental University, and a Bachelor of Science- Actuarial Science and Insurance from Imo State University. He also holds a Certificate in International Trade and Finance from the Institute of Financial Services London, as well as being a Certified Documentary Credit Specialist, among other professional certifications.

He is also a member of the ICC Taskforce on Guarantees, as well as the digitization working group of the ICC. He is also one of the founding members of the African council of BAFT, where he also serves as the chair membership committee for African council and member of the global membership committee.