IFC Awards Access Bank ‘Best Trade Partner Bank West Africa’
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank has been recognised as the ‘Best Trade Partner Bank West Africa 2024’ by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Presented at the Global Trade Partners Meeting (GTPM), held recently, in Barcelona, Spain, this prestigious award highlights Access Bank’s outstanding performance and commitment to fostering trade finance across the continent.
The GTPM, organised by the IFC, is one of the most significant events in the global trade finance industry, and is known for its unique footprint due to IFC’s extensive reach and client base in emerging markets. The 2024 event marked the 20th anniversary of IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program and attracted a record number of delegates, featuring prominent speakers and panellists, who provided valuable insights into the global trade landscape.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, said, “We are honoured to receive this award from IFC, which is a testament to our relentless efforts in leveraging our extensive network across Africa to scale trade opportunities between the continent and the rest of the world. Access Bank remains committed to facilitating trade that drives economic growth and prosperity for our stakeholders and the regions we serve.”
Representing Access Bank at the GTPM were Sunmbo Olatunji, Group Head, Treasury; Tosin Olatunji, Group Head, Corporate Operations; Seun Olufeko, Group Head Project and Structured Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking Division (CIBD); Oluchukwu Kalu, Team Member PSF, CIBD; and Rowly Isioro, Head, Trade and Global Transaction Banking (Africa). Isioro also participated in a panel discussion titled ‘IFC: 20 Years in Trade, Partnerships and Perspectives.’
Speaking on the panel, he addressed the importance of building resilient trade finance systems in emerging markets and how the IFC Global Trade Finance Programme has evolved over the years, from IFC providing guarantees for letters of credit to accommodate other trade instruments like promissory notes and green trade or climate-friendly transactions. “Africa is ripe for partnerships that can drive substantial economic growth,” Isioro said.
“At Access Bank, we are dedicated to developing innovative solutions that tackle the unique challenges faced by African businesses, such as currency volatility and regulatory complexities. By strengthening our trade finance infrastructure, and by leaning on the interconnectivity of our subsidiaries – strategically spread across Africa’s key trade blocs – we aim to facilitate smoother trade flows and empower our clients to seize global opportunities effectively,” he added.
The GTPM Barcelona 2024 featured a three-day programme that saw contributions from internationally renowned speakers such as Marc Auboin, Counsellor at the World Trade Organisation; Alexia Boutin-Somnolet, Lenders’ Solution Leader at Marsh; Gonzalo Gortázar, Chief Executive Officer of CaixaBank, Spain; Nathalie Louat, Global Director, Trade and Supply Chain Finance at IFC; and Paolo Mauro, Director of the Economic and Market Research Department at IFC, amongst others.
The event, which was sponsored by Access Bank, CaixaBank, amongst other, concluded with a Gala Awards Dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of IFC’s Global Trade Finance Programme and honouring its high-performing trade finance partners.
About Access Bank PLC Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 21 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities.
The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.
As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
Fidelity Bank Supports Modupe Cole Memorial School, Lagos
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
In continuation of its drive to alleviate the impact of economic hardship and suffering among indigent Nigerians, Fidelity Bank Plc recently donated food items to Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School in Akoka, Lagos.
CAPTION:
L- R. Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc; Osho Olufunmilayo Bamidele, Vice Principal 2, Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School; and Victoria Mbonu, Class President, Intellect Nexus Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc; during a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donation event executed by Fidelity Bank at Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos recently.
The donation which aligns with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of education and health, was championed by the Intellect Nexus Class of 2024 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP). Through this initiative, Fidelity Bank staff identify community needs, raise funds to address them, and receive matching support from the bank to implement impactful projects.
Explaining the bank’s commitment to supporting its host communities, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, noted that, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognise the symbiotic relationship we have with the communities where we operate. This informs our decision to not only provide our host communities with relevant financial services but to also impact them with developmental projects.
“We are inspired by the great work being done here at Modupe Cole Home School and our donation is a small token of appreciation for this as we aim to support the well-being of these exceptional children.”
On his part, the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Isiaka Ajani, expressed gratitude for the bank’s consistent support noting that Fidelity Bank’s gesture is a huge encouragement to the school. “We say thank you for the gift items that you have brought to us today, and this shows that we are not alone in the mission to provide care and education to children with special needs.
“This institution is a testament to the belief that there is ability in disability. We have children here who have passed common entrance examinations and gained admission into higher institutions despite their challenges. It is our mission to help them achieve their potential.
“The school had made effort to provide academic and vocational training programs in bead-making and hairdressing, and specialized care for residents with severe disabilities for its 476 residents, many of whom have been abandoned by their families.” He stated.
Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.
With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”
Access Bank’s presence across 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa, provides a unique advantage in facilitating inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing network positions it as a key player in addressing trade complexities and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.
Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision of the forum, saying, “The Africa Trade Conference is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges, but to champion the continent’s opportunities. Through strategic partnerships, tailored financial solutions, built on the ethos of sustainability, we are paving the way for Africa’s businesses to take their place on the global stage.”
This flagship event will convene a distinguished line-up of seasoned speakers, and top executives from leading international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and captains of industry in Africa.
The ATC will also shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks.
Furthermore, the event will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s economic future, including the transformative role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, as well as sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models, thereby providing a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce. Please visit https://africatradeconference.accessbankplc.com/ for more information.
Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Union Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4campaign on a high note following the announcement of its first set of winners in its inaugural monthly draws.
The first live draw of this season, which took place at the Bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos, rewarded 60 customers with ₦100,000 each. Additionally, 300 other winners went home with ₦50,000 worth of gift vouchers during the inaugural live draw, which was conducted transparently and digitally under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies. The winners cut across the nation.
Speaking at the first monthly draw, Gloria Omereonye, Union Bank’s Area Business Executive for Lagos Island 1, stated, “Union Bank is always dedicated to rewarding customers for their loyalty and financial discipline.
We are pleased that our promo has continued to achieve its noble goals of providing succour to our customers through our gifts and rewards, especially in these economically trying times, while facilitating a sustainable savings culture for future goals and objectives.”
Save & Win Palli Promo is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes. Season 4, which began in December 2024 and runs until May 2025, offers customers the opportunity to win ₦131 million in cash prizes, Motorcycles, Tricycles, Fuel Vouchers, and a star prize of ₦5 million, which will be handed out to three lucky winners at the grand finale.
Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Win Palli Promo requires participants to save a minimum of ₦10,000 and perform a minimum of five transactions monthly to qualify for draws. Monthly winners can receive ₦100,000, while quarterly draws will reward lucky savers with Motorcycles, Tricycles, and other exciting prizes.
Customers who save in multiples of ₦10,000 will increase their chances of winning.
New customers can join the promo by downloading the UnionMobile app to open an account or visiting any Union Bank branch.
Existing customers can reactivate accounts by calling the 24-hour Contact Centre at 07007007000 or visiting a branch.