Access Bank Hosts Groundbreaking Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a transformative event aimed at reshaping Africa’s economic future. Scheduled for March 12 in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference will bring together top trade, finance, and policy leaders under the theme: “Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.”
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the ATC will tackle key barriers hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic businesses. The conference will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to drive economic growth, enhance trade efficiency, and integrate African businesses into international markets.
By fostering strategic partnerships and forward-thinking policies, the ATC aims to unlock new opportunities that will strengthen Africa’s position in global commerce and drive long-term prosperity across the continent.
“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,” Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, Roosevelt Ogbonna said.
Seyi Kumapayi, Director of African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, emphasized the forum’s broader vision, stating “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, 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 Africa Trade Conference will highlight the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, improve infrastructure and logistics, and integrate African economies into global trade networks. The event will also examine pivotal themes shaping the continent’s economic future, such as the vital role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions to overcome trade barriers and broaden market access, as well as sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models. Ultimately, the conference aims to provide a strategic framework for bolstering Africa’s position in global commerce.
