Access Bank Plc has announced plans to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference to bridge the $81bn annual trade finance gap on the continent.

This was indicated in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.

The conference to be hosted under the theme ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’ is scheduled for March in Cape Town, South Africa.

With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81bn annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference in addressing these pressing issues.

He said, “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”

https://punchng.com/access-bank-tackles-africas-81bn-trade-finance-gap/