Financial Energy Review
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade,
Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town,
South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in
trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to
tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms.
By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore
innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African
economies into global value chains.
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.”
Access Bank’s presence across 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa, provides a
unique advantage in facilitating inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing
network positions it as a key player in addressing trade complexities and promoting
inclusive growth across the continent.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, highlighted
the broader vision of the forum, saying, “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.”
This flagship event will convene a distinguished line-up of seasoned speakers, and top
executives from leading international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs),
and captains of industry in Africa.
www.accessbankplc.com
The ATC will also shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of the Africa
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance
infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks. Furthermore,
the event will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s economic future, including
the transformative role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for
overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, as well as sustainable trade
practices and innovative financing models, thereby providing a comprehensive roadmap
for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce.
