Access Bank Drives Africa’s Trade Vision Forward

The Access Bank Africa Trade Conference recently highlighted a shift in perspective regarding Africa’s economic trajectory, moving beyond discussions of potential to a focus on practical execution and building robust trade infrastructure. The conference emphasized the need for African institutions to proactively shape their own trade pathways and establish global standards.

Keynote Address and Vision

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, underscored the importance of Africa designing its own trade finance architecture and growing institutions to global standards. He advocated for Africa to be recognized as a serious economic actor, asserting its right to participate in global trade on its own terms, rather than relying on external accommodation.

Operationalizing Trade

Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director of African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, emphasized that trade requires more than just rhetoric. He highlighted the necessity of efficient systems, swift payment processing, appropriate financing, and regulatory processes that encourage cross-border activity. With a presence in over 20 African markets, Access Bank aims to leverage its network to facilitate trade within the continent.

Addressing Trade Challenges

The conference brought together policymakers, manufacturers, logistics operators, exporters, fintech founders, and investors to address shared challenges. A key issue identified was the lack of coordination hindering African businesses, which often face obstacles such as limited trade finance, inconsistent payment systems, weak market intelligence, and a scarcity of trusted partners. Access Bank’s approach focuses on enabling trade through advisory support, networks, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships.

Intra-African Trade Focus

A recurring theme was the need to increase intra-African trade, given the continent’s large population. The discussion centered on the necessary steps for change, including aligned policies, improved infrastructure, smarter logistics, and financial institutions willing to underwrite cross-border risk. Access Bank’s extensive network across West, East, Central, and Southern Africa positions it to connect producers, buyers, and markets effectively.

Global Value Chains and Leverage

The conference addressed Africa’s role in global value chains, emphasizing the importance of leverage rather than isolation. Ogbonna advocated for building African companies capable of participating in manufacturing, processing, logistics, and services, allowing them to negotiate, compete, and partner globally from a position of strength.

Future Conference Details

The second Access Bank Africa Trade Conference (ATC) 2026 is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa. The conference, themed “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact,” will focus on translating Africa’s trade vision into tangible results. The program will include ministerial panels, plenaries, workshops, exhibition arenas, and networking sessions. Expected outcomes include increased capital flows, frameworks for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strengthened trade-finance and payment systems, and expanded market access for businesses of all sizes.