Access Bank’s AfriTradeca Conference Paves the Way for Enhanced Intra-African Trade
Access Bank PLC has successfully hosted the inaugural AfriTradeca Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the drive towards fostering intra-African trade and economic integration. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to address key challenges and unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The conference highlighted major barriers to trade within the continent, such as limited access to capital, market information gaps, and the need for modernized trade infrastructure. In his opening remarks, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, emphasized the critical role of financial sector collaboration in enhancing business growth and cross-border trade.
“We must invest in initiatives that bring businesses together, foster trust, and create vital connections for trade. We must change the narrative that ‘Made in Africa’ is inferior. Instead, we must take pride in buying, wearing, and investing in Africa to drive the continent’s economic progress,” Ogbonna stated.
The conference also spotlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to integrate Africa’s economies and create a unified market. H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, underscored the importance of fully implementing the agreement to realize its benefits.
“The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement—it is a tool for Africa’s industrialization and economic sovereignty. Businesses, especially SMEs and women-led enterprises, must have access to capital and platforms that enable them to thrive,” Mene noted.
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, reiterated the need for robust trade financing mechanisms, highlighting the role of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in easing cross-border transactions.
Key panel discussions at the event explored strategies to overcome trade barriers, improve market access, and leverage digital solutions for economic growth. Experts from the World Trade Organization (WTO), Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, and other leading institutions shared insights on how policy harmonization and infrastructure improvements can boost Africa’s competitiveness.
The conference concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding contributions to intra-African trade. Notable winners included Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia), and Bulkstream Limited (Kenya). The African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their impact on Africa’s economic progress.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting trade finance and fostering regional integration, ensuring businesses across Africa can thrive in a competitive global market.
