ATC 2026: Redefining Africa's Trade Landscape

The Access Bank Africa Trade Conference (ATC) 2026 took place in Cape Town, where discussions centered on Africa's minimal share of global trade despite its vast workforce and resources. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, highlighted the need for a shift in focus towards practical solutions for accelerating trade within Africa and strengthening its role in global commerce.

The conference aimed to address long-standing challenges such as fragmented transport corridors and regulatory issues that hinder trade finance and cross-border commerce, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Key priorities identified included breaking down silos among policymakers and financial institutions, creating reliable data analytics, and developing platforms that support both large corporations and smaller enterprises.

The conference also noted a gradual evolution in African trade across sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, with an emphasis on diversifying economic structures and leveraging technology to improve market access.