Access Bank, in alignment with its commitment to being Africa’s Gateway to the World, proudly sponsored the inaugural African Marketplace Dubai 2025, an initiative by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA). The event, held at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Dubai, attracted over 300 curated brands and participants from more than 200 countries, bringing together businesses and investors to foster cross-border trade and enhance Africa’s global economic competitiveness.

African Perspective and Access Bank’s Role

As a key enabler of trade, payments, and SME growth across Africa, Access Bank’s participation highlighted its continuous efforts to promote intra-African trade and support small businesses in the region. The bank’s involvement in this pan-African trade and investment fair emphasized its strategic focus on facilitating B2B and B2C linkages, particularly in key sectors such as fashion, arts and crafts, furniture, food, and technology.

In her remarks at the opening session, Ibukun Awosika, the host of the event and founder of IALA, spoke passionately about the transformative power of African entrepreneurship. “This platform is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and creativity that drives African businesses forward. It’s not just about trade, it’s about building relationships that will open new doors for generations to come. It’s about connecting the world to the incredible potential Africa holds” Said Awosika.

Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises

Access Bank’s participation demonstrated our unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs across the continent. This dedication was further reinforced by the keynote remarks from Kafui Bimpe, Head SME, African Subsidiaries, who emphasized the Bank’s strategic direction: “At Access Bank, our vision and drive is clear – to be Africa’s Gateway to the World. This vision guides our commitment to promoting intra-African trade, enhancing cross-border payments, and empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to grow from local champions to global competitors.”

Throughout the event, Access Bank showcased its innovative SME-focused solutions designed to equip businesses with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to scale sustainably. From improved access to finance and capacity-building programmes to tailored mentorship and strategic partnerships, the Bank continues to position itself as a catalyst for SME growth and resilience across Africa.

This message was echoed in the keynote address delivered by His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo, who highlighted Africa’s decisive shift from a narrative of untapped potential to one of active value creation. “Africa’s era of potential is over, the continent is now creating, innovating, and claiming its rightful place in global trade,” he stated.

A Future Focused on Cross-Border Commerce and Economic Integration

As part of its ongoing efforts to boost intra-African trade, Access Bank’s sponsorship of the African Marketplace Dubai 2025 aligns with its broader objective of reinforcing economic integration across the continent. The event offered a unique platform for African businesses to engage directly with international investors, creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration. By supporting cross-border trade and fostering B2B connections, Access Bank is playing a key role in elevating African entrepreneurs to the global stage.

Access Bank’s Continued Commitment

Access Bank’s participation in the African Marketplace event is just one of many steps the institution is taking to ensure that Africa’s SMEs are well-positioned to thrive in the global economy. As Africa’s leading financial institution, Access Bank is dedicated to facilitating sustainable growth for small businesses, providing access to markets, and strengthening the continent’s position as a key player in the global trade ecosystem.

Strengthening Africa’s Global Connections at ATC 2026

In line with this ongoing commitment, Access Bank will host the second edition of the Access Trade Conference (ATC) in Cape Town in 2026. Building on the insights, partnerships, and SME engagement showcased in Dubai, next year’s ATC will further deepen conversations around trade facilitation, innovation, and cross-border collaboration across Africa. This upcoming edition will serve as a strategic platform to continue empowering SMEs, connecting markets, and reinforcing Access Bank’s role as Africa’s Gateway to the World.

About Access Bank

Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa, Asia and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Access Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management, and capital management capabilities.

The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 23 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks. As part of its continued growth strategy,

Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.

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