Intra-Africa trade set for a boost as Access Bank sustains initiative
Intra-African Trade Gains Momentum with Access Bank Initiatives
By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor
Access Bank PLC is at the forefront of revitalizing intra-African trade, bolstered by ongoing financial industry initiatives to integrate the continent’s economies. With a strong presence throughout Africa, the Nigerian banking sector stands out, operating a total of 47 subsidiaries across the region. This extensive reach is enhancing financial backing for continental commerce, complemented by government efforts to dismantle sovereign barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Access Bank has asserted its commitment to fostering economic integration through its presence in approximately 16 African nations and an additional eight subsidiaries abroad. The bank has launched initiatives aimed at facilitating seamless financial transactions across borders, facilitating the realization of a unified continental market.
The bank’s forthcoming Africa Trade Conference (ATC) 2026, scheduled for March 11 in Cape Town, South Africa, aims to catalyze this vision. This marks the second edition of the conference, which seeks to strengthen trade finance and payment systems, unlock capital flows, and foster robust trade outcomes at both intra-African and global levels.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Access Bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, emphasized the necessity for Africa to establish its own trade finance infrastructure and strengthen cross-border payment systems. He underscored that Africa should no longer wait for global conditions to favor its participation in trade. “Africa must design its pathways and build institutions of global standards,” he stated, clarifying the continent’s intent to be a serious player in global commerce.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director for African Subsidiaries, pointed out that significant challenges hinder African trade, including limited access to affordable financing, unreliable information, and a lack of trust among trading partners. He noted that trade among African countries is currently stagnating at about 16% of total trade, compared to Europe’s 60% and Asia’s 40%.
In the evolving global economic landscape, Africa, boasting a population of approximately 1.3 billion and a combined GDP nearing $3 trillion, faces both substantial opportunities and challenges. However, the continent’s potential will remain unrealized without robust financial systems, efficient infrastructure, and modern technology.
ATC 2026 positions itself not merely as a banking event but as a crucial platform for policy dialogue, financial innovation, and business collaboration. The conference will feature ministerial panels, investor sessions, and workshops aligned with advancing AfCFTA implementation, ultimately aiming to facilitate trade.
For Nigerian businesses, Access Bank’s expansion in 24 countries, including 16 in Africa, creates an environment conducive to cross-border trade. The bank has mobilized approximately $2 billion from development finance institutions for long-term lending across the continent, which could help close Africa’s estimated $81 billion annual trade finance gap.
The conference also offers opportunities for networking and innovation, showcasing Nigerian fintech, agritech, and logistics firms to potential investors. As technology plays an increasingly vital role in modern trade, ATC 2026 will explore how digital solutions can streamline processes and reduce costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Access Bank’s recent expansions have strengthened its footprint in Southern, Eastern, and Central Africa, positioning South Africa as a critical economic hub for regional trade. The conference underscores the potential for collaborative models where Nigerian capital and South African infrastructure work together to benefit neighboring economies.
While numerous African nations have signed and ratified the AfCFTA, implementation has been inconsistent. ATC 2026 aims to facilitate direct discussions among policymakers, regulators, and businesses, fostering dialogue that translates political agreements into tangible economic activity.
The conference will also focus on inclusion, addressing the significant share of small businesses owned by women and young people, who often face challenges accessing trade finance. Given that small and medium enterprises account for over 80% of employment in Africa but receive a minimal portion of available trade finance, ATC 2026 will explore innovative financing models to improve capital access.
In the context of increasing global competition for African markets, an African-led platform like ATC 2026 will help ensure external engagements align with the continent’s development priorities. The focus is on building local value rather than merely exporting raw materials.
ATC 2026 emphasizes execution, aiming to move beyond theoretical discussions to actionable outcomes. Recognizing that relationships, trust, and continuity are essential in trade, the conference combines business discussions with networking opportunities, fostering lasting connections.
Through initiatives like ATC 2026, Africa is progressively shifting from being a mere exporter of commodities to shaping the frameworks of global trade.
