Access Bank to Drive Africa’s Trade Ambitions at Cape Town Conference

Nume Ekeghe

Access Bank Plc has announced plans to host the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), a high-level strategic convening designed to accelerate Africa’s role in shaping the future of global trade.

The bank in a statement noted that its maiden edition, which convened senior decision-makers from 28 countries, the 2026 conference will be held under the theme:“Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact.”

It stated: “ATC 2026 will feature a rich programme of high-impact sessions, including a Ministerial Panel, High-Level Plenaries, Partner-Led Workshops, an Innovation and Exhibition Arena, Media Content Studios, curated Networking Lounges, and an Awards and Cultural Showcase, all designed to foster collaboration, catalyse capital flows, and translate ambition into execution.”

Speaking on the significance of the conference, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, described ATC as more than a traditional convening.

“Africa is no longer at the margins of global trade conversations. The question today is not about potential, it is about execution. The Africa Trade Conference is designed as a platform for action, not rhetoric. It brings together the people shaping policy, capital, infrastructure, and innovation to build the systems that will define Africa’s trade future,” Ogbonna said.

He added, “At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future facing. ATC 2026 is part of that commitment.”