Access Holdings reaffirms commitment to driving Intra-African trade

…Banking subsidiary targets November for African Trade Conference

Bamidele Famoofo

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank Plc, has announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses across Africa and enhancing intra-African trade.

During a recent media roundtable, the leadership team, including Bolaji Agbede, acting GCEO,  and Roosevelt Ogbonna, group managing director/CEO, shared insights on the company’s strategic priorities for the coming years.

“Our commitment to fostering economic growth in Africa is well established,” said Agbede. “We believe that by supporting small businesses, we can create lasting economic value and drive meaningful change across the continent.”

Ogbonna outlined the strategic priorities for 2023–2027, which focus on infrastructure investments, retail banking, and small business empowerment. “We aim to provide an enabling environment for small businesses to access new markets on the continent,” he stated. To facilitate this, Access Bank will host a trade conference in November, designed to connect small businesses and stimulate intra-African trade.

The bank’s commitment to infrastructure investment is evident, with 61 new branches opened in Nigeria this year alone, despite challenging economic conditions. “This expansion showcases our dedication to enhancing retail banking and improving customer access to financial services,” Ogbonna added. Furthermore, the bank is in the process of establishing fully digitalised branches, known as ‘branches of the future,’ which will leverage advanced technology to increase financial access for underserved communities.

Access Holdings is also focused on enhancing regional trade dynamics. By fostering partnerships and collaborations among small businesses, the company aims to create a robust network that supports economic development across Africa. “We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives growth,” Ogbonna emphasised.

As Access Holdings continues to expand its footprint across the continent, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating lasting economic value for Africa and empowering businesses that can drive meaningful change.