Access Bank’s Africa Trade Conference Catalyzes Intra-African Commerce

The Access Bank Africa Trade Conference underscores the potential of the AfCFTA in driving economic integration and cross-border trade.

Strengthening Africa’s Trade Ecosystem

Access Bank’s (site) Africa Trade Conference has emerged as a pivotal platform for advancing intra-African trade, fostering economic collaboration, and unlocking new investment opportunities across the continent. The recent event, which gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and financial experts, aimed to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and address key barriers to seamless cross-border commerce.

In an opening statement Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank said, “We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that ‘Made in Africa’ is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation.”

Unlocking the Potential of AfCFTA

With the AfCFTA expected to create a single market of over 1.4 billion people, discussions at the conference focused on how businesses and financial institutions can harness its potential. Participants highlighted the importance of regulatory harmonization, infrastructure development, and digital payment systems in enabling smooth trade flows. By tackling these challenges, the AfCFTA could significantly enhance intra-African trade, reducing reliance on external markets and boosting local economies.

H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, said, “The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa’s industrialization and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalizing the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive.”

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasized the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders, saying, “At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realize its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade.”

Financial Inclusion as a Catalyst for Growth

A key theme of the conference was financial inclusion, particularly how banking and fintech solutions can bridge gaps in trade financing. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Africa’s economy but often struggle with access to capital. Access Bank emphasized its commitment to supporting SMEs through tailored financial products and digital banking innovations. By leveraging financial technology, businesses can expand their reach and integrate more seamlessly into regional and global supply chains.

Driving Sustainable Investment and Economic Growth

Beyond trade facilitation, the conference also underscored the importance of sustainable investment in Africa’s economic future. Speakers explored opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, and agribusiness—sectors that are critical for long-term development. The dialogue reinforced the role of banks and investors in driving capital flows toward high-impact projects that create jobs, enhance productivity, and foster economic resilience.

The Road Ahead for Intra-African Trade

As Africa moves toward deeper economic integration, the insights from Access Bank’s conference provide a roadmap for overcoming trade barriers and capitalizing on growth opportunities. Enhanced financial solutions, strategic investments, and policy alignment will be essential in realizing the full potential of the AfCFTA. Through such initiatives, Africa is poised to become a more competitive and self-sustaining trade powerhouse in the global market.

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