Access Bank, as part of its commitment to being Africa’s Gateway to the World, sponsored the inaugural African Marketplace Dubai 2025, an initiative by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA).
The event, which held at the 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.
“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,” said a statement by the bank on Monday.
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.
Kafui Bimpe, Head SME, African Subsidiaries, said Access Bank’s participation demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs across the continent.
“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,” she said.
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.
As part of its ongoing efforts to boost intra-African trade, Access Bank’s sponsorship of the African Marketplace Dubai 2025 aligned 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.