Buy Africa, It’s Not Inferior”: Access Bank MD, AfCFTA Sec-Gen, AFC CEO Advocate for Continental Trade at Africa CEO Forum

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – May 14, 2025: At the Africa CEO Forum, a high-level panel discussion on “Fast-tracking African Integration: The Private Sector Imperative” saw Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA, and Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), chart a path for developing continental trade amidst shifting global dynamics. 

The panelists unanimously agreed that Africa's transformation hinges on building regional value chains, scaling intra-African trade, and enhancing financial and infrastructural capacities for economic integration. Ogbonna emphasized Africa’s potential to redefine its narrative, urging nations to leverage their strengths.

Drawing parallels with the evolution of "Made in China" and "Made in Taiwan," Ogbonna asserted, “Africa is no different. We possess abundant resources, a youthful population, and fertile land. There is no reason why Africa hasn't yet become the powerhouse it can be. Africa has what it takes to win, and my message remains: Buy Africa, it’s not inferior!”

Mene highlighted tangible integration efforts like the e-Tariff Book and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund. Zubairu stressed the critical need for public-private investment synergy to bridge Africa's infrastructure gaps and finance development priorities.

The discussion also addressed barriers to scaling intra-African trade, notably logistics and transport infrastructure deficits. The Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS) was identified as a potential catalyst for cross-border trade by streamlining payments.

Ogbonna underscored the private sector's crucial role in regional trade, especially for MSMEs, noting their significant trade finance gap. He urged financial institutions to innovate and provide the necessary liquidity for these businesses to grow.

Concluding the session, Ogbonna's message resonated with the audience: it is time for Africans to believe in, invest in, and transform Africa into the economic powerhouse it is destined to be.