Access Bank to Host Africa Trade Conference 2026 in Cape Town, Rallying Global Leaders to Accelerate Africa’s Trade Future
Access Bank Plc has announced plans to host the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), a flagship continental convening aimed at advancing Africa’s position as a key driver in the evolving global trade landscape.
Scheduled for 11 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa, the conference will bring together senior leaders from government, finance, trade, logistics, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and policy. The gathering is designed to deliver practical, outcome-driven solutions that strengthen intra-African trade while expanding Africa’s participation in global value chains.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition—which convened decision-makers from 28 countries—ATC 2026 will be held under the theme:
“Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact.”
The conference programme will feature a series of high-impact engagements, including Ministerial Panels, High-Level Plenary Sessions, Partner-Led Workshops, an Innovation and Exhibition Arena, Media Content Studios, curated Networking Lounges, and an Awards and Cultural Showcase. Together, these platforms are designed to foster collaboration, unlock capital flows, and translate trade ambitions into tangible execution.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, emphasized that ATC is structured as a platform for action rather than dialogue alone.
“Africa is no longer on the margins of global trade conversations. The real question today is not about potential—it is about execution,” Ogbonna said. “The Africa Trade Conference brings together those shaping policy, capital, infrastructure, and innovation to build the systems that will define Africa’s trade future.”
He added that Access Bank’s role extends beyond financing to actively enabling market connectivity across the continent.
“At Access Bank, we see ourselves as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our responsibility is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, and from local relevance to global competitiveness.”
With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank is uniquely positioned to facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across multiple markets.
“Our footprint across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade,” Ogbonna noted. “It also places on us a responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future-facing. ATC 2026 is a clear expression of that commitment.”
A major focus of ATC 2026 will be the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Discussions will explore how policy harmonization, infrastructure development, digitization, and innovative financing models can unlock Africa’s full trade capacity.
The conference will also examine the role of technology in global commerce, sustainable trade practices, improved market access, and new financing structures to support Africa’s growing SME and industrial base.
ATC 2026 is expected to attract a distinguished audience of policymakers, global investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations, and leading African businesses, creating a highly curated ecosystem for influence, partnership, and action.
As Ogbonna concluded:
“Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be among its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”
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