Access Bank Champions Youth and Diaspora-Driven Growth at IATF 2025

Access Bank Champions Youth and Diaspora-Driven Growth at IATF 2025

Access Bank has reiterated its commitment to deepening Africa–Caribbean economic collaboration, with a strong focus on youth and diaspora participation, at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025.

Speaking during a session themed “The Global Africa We Want: Business Collaboration Without Borders”, Sunmbo Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank’s Caribbean Expansion, emphasized the need to harness Africa’s demographic advantage, strategic resources, and diaspora linkages to chart a sustainable growth path.

“The Global Africa we want is one without borders in spirit, vision, or opportunity — an Africa where our youth, diaspora, and private sector drive collaboration that positions us as a central player in the global economy,” Olatunji stated.

She highlighted agriculture and food security, the creative and cultural industries, sustainable tourism, and technology-driven innovation as sectors with the highest potential for cross-border partnerships.

“Africa and the Caribbean are natural partners. By combining Africa’s scale with Caribbean expertise and diaspora networks, we can unlock agricultural value chains, expand cultural exports, and build robust tourism and digital innovation ecosystems,” she noted.

Olatunji further underscored the critical role of the private sector in fostering resilience and inclusive growth. She stressed that financial institutions must provide platforms that simplify trade, facilitate remittances, and empower entrepreneurs.

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as bankers, but as connectors of opportunities. Our Caribbean expansion demonstrates our commitment to linking Africa’s dynamic economies with diaspora wealth and expertise, creating a future of shared prosperity,” she said.

Organised by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union, IATF 2025 serves as a premier platform to boost intra-African trade, strengthen Africa–Caribbean ties, and showcase investment opportunities across the continent.