By Ayomide Otitoju
Access Bank Plc has announced plans to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference, aimed at addressing the continent’s $81 billion annual trade finance gap.
According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the conference will be held in March in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’.
The conference seeks to tackle systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, it will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, highlighted the significance of the initiative in unlocking Africa’s trade potential.
“The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy,” Ogbonna stated.
With a presence in 24 countries, including 15 in Africa, Access Bank is strategically positioned to facilitate inter- and intra-African trade, addressing trade complexities and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.
Executive Director of African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, Seyi Kumapayi, emphasized the forum’s broader vision, noting, “The Africa Trade Conference is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges but to champion the continent’s opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and tailored financial solutions, built on the ethos of sustainability, we are paving the way for Africa’s businesses to take their place on the global stage.”
The conference will convene a distinguished lineup of speakers, including top executives from leading international banks, development finance institutions, and key industry players in Africa.
A major highlight will be discussions on the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks.
Additionally, the event will explore key themes shaping Africa’s economic future, including the role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, and sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models. The conference aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce.
