Standard Bank to Host Inaugural African Markets Conference to Boost Intra-Continental Trade
Standard Bank is set to host its first-ever African Markets Conference (AMC) this week in Cape Town, aiming to enhance intra-African trade and attract new capital flows.
The conference will provide a platform for uniting global and African investors, regulators, and business leaders to explore opportunities for economic integration and growth. According to Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group, the event aligns with the bank’s strategy to improve ease of doing business across the continent.
“Africa is poised for substantial economic transformation, and this conference is a key step in fostering cross-border investment and strengthening trade networks,” Masinda stated.
The event is set against the backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has been ratified by 48 countries since its establishment in 2018. The World Bank projects that AfCFTA could increase Africa’s income by $450 billion over the next decade and boost intra-African exports by over 81%.
The conference will feature keynote addresses from prominent global figures, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, now Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Industry leaders, policymakers, and investors will participate in panel discussions to explore policies and strategies for fostering sustainable economic growth.
“With our strong international presence and deep African roots, Standard Bank is committed to co-creating economic solutions that drive long-term development,” Masinda added.
