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Sopuruchi Onwuka
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event aimed at accelerating Africa’s economic transformation. Under the theme Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth, the conference is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. It will bring together key stakeholders from trade, finance, and policy sectors to shape the future of commerce across the continent.
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the ATC will address systemic barriers that hinder trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. Through strategic collaboration, the conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies to integrate African economies into global value chains.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, emphasized the significance of the conference in unlocking Africa’s trade potential. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade landscape. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”
Access Bank’s extensive footprint—spanning 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa—positions it as a key driver in facilitating both inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing network underscores its commitment to addressing trade complexities and fostering inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision of the conference, stating, “The Africa Trade Conference is more than just an event—it is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges but to champion the continent’s vast opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and tailored financial solutions built on the principles of sustainability, we are paving the way for African businesses to compete on the global stage.”
The ATC will feature an impressive lineup of seasoned speakers, top executives from international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and leading industry players. A key focus of the discussions will be the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to reduce trade barriers, improve infrastructure, and further integrate African economies into global trade networks.
In addition, the conference will delve into critical themes shaping Africa’s economic future, including: the role of digitization and innovation in enhancing global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers and improving market access, and sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models.
By addressing these pressing issues, the ATC will provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce.
As Africa continues its journey toward economic self-sufficiency and global integration, initiatives like the Africa Trade Conference play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s trade landscape. Access Bank’s leadership in fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration ensures that Africa’s businesses have the support and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
