The Countdown Begins to the Africa Trade Conference Hosted by Access Bank

Cape Town, South Africa – 6 March 2025: The stage is set for a game-changing moment in African trade. Access Bank PLC is gearing up to host its inaugural Africa Trade Conference (ATC) on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. The landmark event is designed to drive economic transformation across the continent. Under the theme ‘Empowering Africa: Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’, the ATC will unite influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to unlock new opportunities for African businesses in the global marketplace.

With Africa’s trade finance gap standing at $81 billion annually, the ATC aims to tackle key barriers hindering trade – particularly for SMEs and domestic enterprises – by fostering collaboration, exploring innovative financial solutions, and advocating for sustainable trade practices.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues.

“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,” he said.

With a presence in 24 countries, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank is strategically positioned as a gateway to foster both intra-African and international trade, leveraging its extensive network to simplify complexities and drive inclusive economic growth. Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, adds:

“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 event will bring together top executives from leading global banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and key industry leaders, featuring thought-provoking discussions on topical issues like:

Overcoming Trade Barriers in Africa and Enhancing Market Access through Innovative Solutions
Trade Facilitation and Economic Growth in Africa: A Keen Look into the Future
Trade and Environmental Sustainability in Africa for Enhanced Growth Opportunities
Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential in the Global Market: Impact of Digitization and Innovation in World Supply Chain

As the countdown to 12 March 2025, begins, businesses, policymakers, and investors are invited to be part of this transformative event.

To register, visit https://africatradeconference.accessbankplc.com/.

About Access Bank

Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.

Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.