Access Bank, restating its commitment to being Africa’s Gateway to the World, sponsored the inaugural African Marketplace Dubai 2025, an initiative of the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA). Held at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Dubai, the event convened over 300 curated African brands and participants from more than 200 countries, creating a dynamic platform for cross-border trade and investment.
As a leading enabler of trade, payments, and SME growth across Africa, Access Bank showcased its dedication to promoting intra-African trade and empowering small businesses. The Bank’s participation underscored its strategic focus on fostering B2B and B2C linkages in sectors such as fashion, arts and crafts, furniture, food, and technology.
Speaking at the opening session, Ibukun Awosika, Founder of IALA, emphasized the transformative power of African entrepreneurship. “This platform is a showcase of resilience, innovation, and creativity that drives African businesses forward. It is about building relationships that open new doors for generations to come, connecting the world to Africa’s incredible potential.” Access Bank reinforced this message through keynote remarks by Kafui Bimpe, Head SME, African Subsidiaries: “Our vision is to be the World’s most respected African Bank. This drives our commitment to promoting intra-African trade, enhancing cross-
border payments, and empowering SMEs to grow from local champions to global competitors.”
Throughout the event, Access Bank highlighted its SME-focused solutions, including improved access to finance, capacity-building programs, mentorship, and strategic partnerships all designed to help businesses scale sustainably. The event also featured a keynote address by His Excellency Faure Essozimna
Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo, who stated that “Africa’s era of potential is over. The continent is now creating, innovating, and claiming its rightful place in global trade.”
Access Bank’s sponsorship of African Marketplace Dubai 2025 aligns with its broader mission to boost intra-African trade and reinforce economic integration. By connecting African businesses with international investors, the Bank is helping entrepreneurs seize new opportunities and thrive on the global stage.
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.
