Powering Africa’s Trade Future: Access Bank’s Role in a New Continental Economy

Powering Africa’s Trade Future: Access Bank’s Role in a New Continental Economy

Our June / July 2025 Edition Feature:

Sandile Shabalala, Chief Executive Officer at Access Bank South Africa

Intra-African trade remains one of the continent’s most valuable, and underutilised, economic opportunities. With a population of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion, Africa’s single market has everything it needs to become a global economic powerhouse. But one thing still stands in the way: trust. For too long, African businesses have looked outward to Europe, Asia, and North America for trade partnerships. Now, a quiet revolution is underway, one defined by African entrepreneurs trading across borders with other Africans. And the bank helping to power this transformation is Access Bank.

Despite the bold promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade still accounts for less than 16% of total commerce on the continent. This figure pales in comparison to intra-regional trade in the European Union or Asia where more than 60% of goods stay within the region. That gap translates into lost jobs, underutilised capacity, and fragmented supply chains that make African businesses less globally competitive.

Overcoming barriers

There are well-known obstacles: poor transport links, bureaucratic delays, and tariff complications.
But one of the most critical, and often overlooked, barriers is financial. Trade does not flow without
finance. And Africa faces a staggering trade finance shortfall estimated at over $81 billion, according
to the African Development Bank. Small and medium-sized businesses are the most affected. Many
are locked out of the formal financial system, lacking the collateral or credit history that traditional
lenders often require. Yet these SMEs are exactly the kind of businesses AfCFTA aims to uplift,
particularly as the agreement begins gaining traction across the continent. This is where Access Bank has chosen to focus its strategy.

Involving all stakeholders

Critically, Access Bank is not only focusing on the big players. At the inaugural Africa Trade
Conference (ATC) held in Cape Town, the bank brought together government leaders, policymakers,
and business owners to explore how inclusive trade finance can reshape Africa’s economic future.
One of the recurring themes was the need to support historically underrepresented entrepreneurs,
especially women-led businesses and youth-driven startups. These enterprises often fall through the
cracks of traditional finance, yet they are among the most powerful engines of job creation and
resilience.

Access Bank’s response has been clear: design products that meet these businesses where they are.
That means flexible credit structures. That means supporting ethical, transparent supply chains. And it
means aligning finance with long-term outcomes, from green energy projects to sustainable agriculture and regional logistics. The AfCFTA is no longer just a vision. Trade under the agreement is already underway, and so is the implementation of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which reduces then need for dollar-based conversions by allowing local currency transactions across borders. But for this infrastructure to work, it needs a financial ecosystem that builds trust, speeds up transactions, and reduces friction. That is exactly the system Access Bank is building.

Move forward

The message to SMEs and executive leaders is simple. This is your moment. The political framework
is in place. The infrastructure is coming online. And now, the financial tools are catching up. What’s
needed now is action. For any business looking to scale regionally, secure suppliers across borders,
or unlock new markets within Africa, the choice of banking partner can either accelerate growth or
stall it.

Access Bank’s proposition is clear. With deep regional knowledge, extensive trade finance
capabilities, and a firm commitment to inclusivity, the bank is not just enabling trade. It enables trust.
And that trust is what will unlock the next chapter of Africa’s economic story. Whether you’re expanding your regional footprint, navigating FX volatility, or building cross-border partnerships, Access Bank offers tailored support and financing for every stage of your journey. To learn more about how Access Bank can support your cross-border expansion, visit:
https://www.accessbankplc.com/corporate/products-services/trade-finance or connect with a trade
finance expert at your nearest Access Bank branch.

Africa is trading. Africa is growing. Let’s move forward together.