Africa Trade Conference to unlock trade opportunities
*Akofang Kebonye
A new chapter in African trade is unfolding, and Botswana has a front-row seat to the opportunity through the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). With 54 nations working to remove trade barriers and promote economic growth, the continent is entering a new era of commerce and opportunity.
At Access Bank, we see intra-African trade as a means to creating connections, driving growth, and strengthening economies. As the gateway into Africa and beyond, we are committed to helping our clients and partners succeed with tailored trade solutions and strategic collaborations. Access Bank’s African Trade Conference brings together key players from across the continent, including corporations, multilateral development banks, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. It provides a platform to discuss trade policies, industry trends, and new opportunities that will shape the future of African trade.
With our presence in 14 African countries, we are using our network to create meaningful partnerships that drive economic progress. For Botswana, a country that currently imports more than it exports, the conference is a chance to explore new trade opportunities and expand its export market. By connecting with trade partners from across Africa, Botswana businesses can enter new markets, streamline their supply chains, and boost their competitiveness.
But real impact comes from action, not just conversation. That’s why we are taking concrete steps to turn the insights from the conference into real opportunities for our clients. Our teams are already identifying business prospects from conference attendees and making the necessary connections to drive trade forward. Through partnerships with multilateral organisations, we are offering trade finance solutions and advisory services to help businesses expand and trade more effectively across borders.
We also believe that knowledge empowers businesses.
That’s why we are engaging our clients in practical workshops and training sessions to help them make the most of the opportunities identified at the conference. These sessions cover everything from trade finance and compliance to strategies for successful cross-border trade. Botswana’s economy has challenges, but it also has great potential. As an import-heavy economy, it needs stronger local industries, more export-driven businesses, and job creation.
Access Bank Botswana is playing a key role by connecting businesses to the right partners, providing financial and advisory support to small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), women-owned businesses, and young entrepreneurs, and driving initiatives that help Botswana’s businesses grow and compete in regional and global markets.At Access Bank, we are focused on making trade work for Africa. As AfCFTA continues to open doors, we will keep championing initiatives that promote intra-African trade, support local businesses, and strengthen the continent’s economy.
The African Trade Conference is just the beginning. The partnerships we build, the insights we share, and the solutions we implement will shape Africa’s trade landscape for years to come. Access Bank is here to make sure businesses across the continent take full advantage of this moment and grow in the new era of African trade.
* Akofang Kebonye, Head of Global Transactional Services, Access Bank Botswana