Access Bank to Host 2026 Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, Unveils High-Profile Speakers
Access Bank to Host 2026 Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, Unveils High-Profile Speakers
Access Bank Plc has unveiled a distinguished line-up of global policymakers, financial experts, and business leaders for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026) scheduled for March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference aims to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade by fostering dialogue, partnerships, and policy frameworks that support economic growth and cross-border commerce.
The event builds on the success of the inaugural edition, which brought together senior decision-makers from 28 countries, and has quickly emerged as a key platform for advancing Africa’s trade agenda. ATC 2026 will convene leaders from finance, government, development institutions, and the private sector to explore strategies for unlocking trade opportunities, strengthening intra-African commerce, and positioning African enterprises for global competitiveness.
With the theme “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact,” the conference will feature keynote addresses from Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General for the Southern Africa Region at the African Development Bank, and Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director of Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Their joint presentation is expected to examine the evolving financing landscape for African trade and highlight pathways to unlocking continental prosperity.
The welcome address will be delivered by Roosevelt Ogbonna, Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, who will set the tone for discussions around trade transformation, financial inclusion, and regional competitiveness.
Also speaking at the conference is Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, who will present insights on “Africa Trade Outlook 2026,” analysing emerging macroeconomic trends, shifting supply chains, and growth opportunities across major sectors.
In addition, Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, will address participants on “Building a Connected Africa Through Trade, Payments & Technology,” highlighting how payment interoperability and digital infrastructure can accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The conference will also feature a high-level ministerial panel including Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry of Ghana; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana; Florian Witt, Divisional Head, International and Corporate Banking at Oddo-BHF; Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the International Finance Corporation; Isaiah Rathumba, Head of Department at Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; and Alfred Idialu, Chief Representative Officer at Deutsche Bank.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Ogbonna said the Africa Trade Conference reflects Access Bank’s commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation by bringing together leaders and institutions shaping the future of trade.
According to him, the calibre of speakers confirmed for the event underscores the urgency and opportunity before the continent. He noted that Africa is increasingly playing a more decisive role in global commerce and that the conference aims to catalyse partnerships, unlock new business opportunities, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.
With operations in 24 countries worldwide, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank says its expanding footprint positions it to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across markets.
The bank added that ATC 2026 is expected to foster strategic partnerships, enable policy dialogue, and provide actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond Africa.
Interested participants can obtain more information and register for the conference through the official website:
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