The second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026) will hold on 11 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together policymakers, financiers and business leaders to discuss Africa’s place in global trade.

The event is organised by Access Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions.

Organisers say the conference will focus on strengthening intra-African trade, improving financing for businesses and helping African companies compete globally.

Why it matters

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area aim to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.

However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, financing barriers and payment fragmentation continue to slow trade growth.

ATC 2026 aims to bring decision-makers together to find practical solutions.

Keynote speakers and policy discussions

The conference will feature several high-profile speakers from finance, government and international development institutions.

The keynote address will be delivered by Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General for the Southern Africa Region at the African Development Bank.

He will speak alongside Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director of Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank.

Their joint keynote will explore financing solutions for African trade and pathways for economic growth across the continent.

Economic outlook for African trade

Insights on future trade trends will be presented by Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group.

His presentation, titled “Africa Trade Outlook 2026,” will examine macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts and growth opportunities across industries.

Meanwhile, Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, will discuss how digital payment systems could accelerate trade across African markets.

High-level ministerial panel

The event will also host a ministerial panel featuring policymakers responsible for trade and economic development.

Participants include Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and Tiroeaone Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship.

Other speakers include representatives from global financial institutions such as the International Finance Corporation and Deutsche Bank.

The panel will discuss trade policy, investment opportunities and the regulatory reforms needed to boost commerce across the continent.

Access Bank: ‘Africa must shape global trade’

In a statement announcing the event, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said the conference aims to bring together the ideas and institutions shaping Africa’s economic future.

“The Africa Trade Conference reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation by creating a platform that brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas shaping the future of trade,” he said.

“The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us. Africa is not only participating in global trade, it is helping to redefine it. Through this convening, we aim to catalyse partnerships, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.”

He added that the bank sees itself as more than a financier.

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.”

Expanding cross-border trade

With operations in 24 countries, including 16 in Africa, Access Bank says it is positioned to support businesses trading across borders.

Ogbonna said the bank’s footprint allows it to design solutions that simplify cross-border commerce.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future-facing.”

He added that the conference is part of the bank’s broader effort to support Africa’s economic growth.

“Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”

What’s next

Organisers say the conference is expected to produce partnerships, policy recommendations and investment opportunities aimed at accelerating trade across Africa.

Businesses and policymakers attending the event will also explore strategies to improve logistics, finance and digital infrastructure needed for the continent’s trade expansion.

As Nigerian consumers increasingly favour higher-quality alcoholic beverages, Pernod Ricard Nigeria says it is positioning itself to benefit from the growing global trend of premiumisation.

The company’s Managing Director, Michael Ehindero, said the firm is relying on extensive market research to understand changing consumer preferences and identify new growth opportunities.

Speaking about the company’s strategy, he said the shift toward premium spirits reflects evolving consumer tastes in Nigeria and globally.

“Our products are more than just the liquid in the bottle. Our portfolio of spirits, champagne, and alcohol-free spirit alternatives comprises a combination of exceptional ingredients, with unique tastes designed for authentic moments of sharing, all crafted with skill and passion,” he said.

Ehindero added that the company’s portfolio combines globally recognised brands designed to deliver memorable social experiences.

Why the Premiumisation Trend Matters

This trend known as premiumisation has been driven by changing lifestyles, rising middle-class income in emerging markets, and growing interest in brand storytelling and experiences.

For companies like Pernod Ricard, which operates in more than 160 countries, the trend represents a major opportunity to expand premium brand offerings.

Ehindero said the company believes it is well positioned to take advantage of the shift.

According to him, its portfolio continues to evolve to reflect new consumer tastes.

Building Brands Through Experiences

The company says brand identity and storytelling remain central to its strategy in Nigeria’s competitive spirits market.

Ehindero explained that each brand carries its own heritage and lifestyle appeal.

“It is about relevance, essence, and experiences. Our brands stand for something: Martell for audacity and luxury, Jameson for heritage and craftsmanship. We bring this to life through immersive events, collaborations with artists, and interactive activations that let consumers experience the brand’s story and quality firsthand,” he said.

Among the company’s well-known products are Martell cognac and Jameson, both popular in Nigeria’s nightlife and hospitality sectors.

Sustainability and Recycling Efforts

Beyond commercial growth, the company says sustainability remains a key part of its operations.

Ehindero said Pernod Ricard Nigeria has eliminated single-use plastics from its office environment and brand activations.

These include plastic straws, disposable cups, and bottled water.

The company also runs the Glass to Life recycling initiative, which collects used glass bottles and reintegrates them into the production cycle.

He said the programme supports the company’s wider environmental goals and promotes circular economy practices.

What’s Next for the Market

The premiumisation trend is expected to shape Nigeria’s alcohol industry over the coming years as brands compete for loyalty among urban consumers.

Companies are also likely to increase investments in sustainability, brand experiences, and local partnerships to remain competitive.

For Pernod Ricard Nigeria, the challenge will be balancing global brand positioning with local market realities.

Amstel Malta has unveiled Nigerian football icon Asisat Oshoala as its new brand ambassador, in a move the company says reflects its focus on excellence and resilience.

The announcement was made in March, a month globally recognised for celebrating women.

The company says the timing reinforces its commitment to highlighting achievement not only in sport, but in everyday life.

Oshoala, often called “Agba Baller” by fans, is widely regarded as Africa’s most decorated female footballer.

She is a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, with a career spanning Nigeria and top European clubs.

Why it matters

Brand endorsements involving leading athletes have become a powerful marketing strategy in Nigeria’s competitive beverage market.

For Amstel Malta, a premium non-alcoholic malt drink produced by Nigerian Breweries Plc, the partnership links its identity to one of Nigeria’s most recognised sporting exports.

What the company says

Francs Obiajulu, Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta & Hi-Malt at Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the footballer reflects the brand’s core values.

“Asisat Oshoala embodies the essence of what Amstel Malta stands for. Her achievements are the result of years of discipline, resilience, and belief in her journey. This partnership reflects our confidence in her as a symbol of premium quality, strength of character, and national pride. Together, we will continue to inspire Nigerians everywhere to always Be Your Best.”

The company says “Be Your Best” is more than a campaign slogan, describing it as a call for Nigerians to pursue self-improvement and higher standards.

Oshoala: ‘Show up every day’

Oshoala said the partnership aligns with her personal philosophy.

“Being your best is about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying true to your goals. I am proud to partner with a brand like Amstel Malta that celebrates excellence and encourages people like myself to keep striving for more.”

Her rise from Lagos to global football prominence has made her a prominent figure in conversations around women’s empowerment and representation in sport.

Wider impact on women’s sport

The Nigeria Football Federation has in recent years called for greater private-sector investment in women’s sport to close funding gaps and expand grassroots development.

What’s next

Amstel Malta says it will roll out campaigns and events featuring Oshoala in the coming months.

The company has asked fans to follow @amstelmalta on its social media platforms for updates.