Access Bank Plc has announced a line-up of global policymakers, finance leaders and industry experts set to headline the 2026 edition of its Africa Trade Conference (ATC), scheduled for March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.
In a statement, the lender said ATC 2026, themed ‘Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact’, will serve as a high-level strategic convening aimed at accelerating Africa’s influence in shaping the future of global trade.
The conference will spotlight the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with discussions focused on policy harmonisation, infrastructure development, digitisation and innovative financing mechanisms to unlock the continent’s trade capacity.
Delivering the joint keynote address will be Kennedy Mbekeani, Director-General, Southern Africa Region at the African Development Bank, and Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. According to Access Bank, their presentation will examine the evolving financing landscape for African trade and strategic pathways to continental prosperity.
The welcome address will be delivered by the Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, who is expected to set the tone for conversations 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 macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts and sectoral growth opportunities.
Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, will address participants on building a connected Africa through trade, payments and technology, highlighting the role of payment interoperability and digital infrastructure in advancing the AfCFTA agenda.
The event will also feature a high-level ministerial panel including Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship; Florian Witt of Oddo-BHF; Nathalie Louat of the International Finance Corporation; Dr Isaiah Rathumba of Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; and Alfred Idialu of Deutsche Bank, among other policymakers shaping trade policy across the continent.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Ogbonna described ATC as more than a traditional gathering.
“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,” he said.
He added that Access Bank sees itself not only as a financier but as a connector of markets, ideas and opportunities, helping African businesses transition from ambition to measurable impact.
With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, the bank said its footprint positions it to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains and simplify business operations across markets.
“Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn,” Ogbonna said.
The conference is expected to catalyse partnerships, foster policy dialogue and generate actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond the continent.
