Access Bank Plc has finalized arrangements to host the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), a high-profile strategic gathering aimed at strengthening Africa’s position in the global trade arena. The event is set for March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa, where it will serve as a meeting point for influential figures across government, finance, logistics, and technology.
The upcoming summit follows a successful debut that drew senior decision-makers from nearly 30 countries. This year’s theme, “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact,” highlights a shift from merely discussing ideas to actively accelerating the pace of economic integration across the continent.
The conference is designed to be highly interactive, featuring ministerial panels, high-level plenary sessions, and workshops led by industry partners. Beyond the discussions, attendees can expect an innovation and exhibition arena, media studios, and curated networking lounges. The goal is to create an environment where collaboration leads directly to capital flows and measurable results.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, noted that the ATC is far more than a typical corporate gathering. He emphasized that Africa has moved past the stage of just having “potential” and must now focus entirely on execution. He described the conference as a platform for action where those who control policy and capital can build the systems necessary for a prosperous future.
Access Bank views its role in this ecosystem as more than just a financial provider. Ogbonna explained that the bank acts as a bridge, connecting markets and ideas to help African businesses move from local relevance to being competitive on a global scale. This proactive stance is part of a broader effort to ensure that African enterprises are not just participants, but leaders in international commerce.
Central to the discussions at ATC 2026 will be the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Experts will explore how harmonizing policies and investing in infrastructure can finally unlock Africa’s full capacity. There will also be a strong focus on how digital tools and sustainable practices can create new financing models for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the continent’s growing industrial base.
Reports understands that the event will host a curated mix of policymakers, global investors, and business leaders. By bringing these groups together in one space, Access Bank aims to foster an ecosystem where the ambitious goals of the continent are matched by the practical steps needed to achieve them.
