Access Bank PLC (www.AccessBankPLC.com) successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to drive solutions for accelerating intra-African trade and unlocking the continent’s economic potential. The conference tackled critical challenges, including limited access to capital, market information gaps, trust deficits between trading partners, and the urgent need for modernised trade infrastructure.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for discussions by highlighting the critical barriers hindering trade across Africa. He emphasised the urgent need for financial sector collaboration to facilitate seamless access to capital and foster a business environment where African enterprises can scale and compete globally.

“We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that ‘Made in Africa’ is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation,” Ogbonna stated.

With Africa’s population projected to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as the most significant free trade initiative since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. By fostering economic integration, AfCFTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics across the continent, creating a unified market that enhances industrialisation, boosts employment, and strengthens Africa’s global competitiveness. Recognising this transformative opportunity, H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, emphasised the urgency of fully implementing the agreement to unlock its immense benefits.

“The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa’s industrialisation and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalising the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive,” Mene stated.

Also, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders. She reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to championing trade finance solutions and infrastructure investments that will unlock Africa’s trade potential.

“At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realise its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade,” Awani remarked.

The conference featured an insightful testimonial from Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the IFC/World Bank Group, who pointed out the pivotal role of trade finance in enabling cross-border transactions and supporting financial inclusion. She underscored the long-standing partnership between IFC and Access Bank in fostering Africa’s economic resilience.

Several high-level panel discussions explored strategies to overcome trade barriers and enhance market access through innovative solutions. Experts from leading institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, OWP Partners, Fiducia International, and more, examined how infrastructure improvements, digital solutions, and policy harmonisation could drive economic growth and boost intra-African trade.

Dr. Marc Auboin from the World Trade Organization (WTO) shared key insights on how digital transformation is reshaping Africa’s supply chain landscape, creating efficiency and unlocking new global market opportunities. Tanya Dos Santos-Ford from GIBS Business School also led a session on sustainable trade practices, emphasising the need for environmentally responsible economic growth strategies.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to intra-African trade and economic transformation. Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Chemaf International FZE (DR Congo), and Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia) were honoured for their impact on SMEs and women-led trade enterprises. Bulkstream Limited (Kenya) and Electricidade de Moçambique (Mozambique) received awards for advancing intra-African trade, while Tennant Metals South Africa Pty Ltd was recognised as an Emerging Leader in Trade.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was awarded the Climate Finance Leadership Award, while Afreximbank received the Champion of Intra-African Trade Award. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) were celebrated for their roles in economic transformation and infrastructure finance, respectively. The prestigious African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their significant contributions to Africa’s economic progress.

As the conference ended, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting trade finance, fostering regional integration, and championing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses across Africa.

A new IT services company, Smart Hands Africa, has been launched to meet rising demand for skilled IT professionals across the African continent. As part of its establishment, Smart Hands Africa has also announced a strategic joint venture with ITArmi, a global provider of on-demand IT expertise operating in 167 countries.

This partnership will see Smart Hands Africa – spearheaded by seasoned local IT professional Anton Jacobsz – become ITArmi’s official presence in Africa, facilitating seamless technology deployment and support for OEMs, distributors and resellers across the continent.

According to Jacobsz, CEO at Smart Hands Africa and ITArmi Africa, local organisations are in dire need of flexible, scalable and highly skilled IT resources to drive digital transformation. “Smart Hands Africa, powered by ITArmi, is set to play a key role in this process, providing fast, on-demand access to proven IT professionals, thus enabling businesses to scale their IT projects efficiently across the continent.”

Addressing the African IT skills gap

Jacobsz explains that Smart Hands Africa’s service model has been designed to provide an agile, cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment companies and fixed-term contracts. Through ITArmi’s platform, businesses gain access to a network of vetted IT professionals whose skills and previous project ratings are readily available.

“Our approach ensures that IT channel partners, including OEMs, distributors and resellers, can quickly deploy experienced professionals for projects in one or multiple African countries,” he adds. “With a team encompassing an expert architect capable of designing comprehensive solutions, and a seasoned project manager with over 30 years of experience in African IT deployments, we offer end-to-end service delivery.”

Key services and benefits

Smart Hands Africa’s comprehensive service offering includes:

• Project planning and execution – Full-service management, from drafting Statements of Work (SOWs) to final deployment;
• Logistics as a service – Handling shipping, import duties, VAT complications and Importer of Record (IOR) processes;
• Engineer as a service – Deployment of skilled engineers for on-site or remote installation and maintenance; and
• Ongoing managed services – Ensuring continuous IT support post-installation.

While ITArmi has already delivered IT projects in numerous African countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and more, the partnership with Smart Hands Africa will expand and streamline its service reach across the continent.

Leading a recruitment drive to strengthen Africa’s IT workforce

As part of its launch, Smart Hands Africa is calling on IT professionals across Africa to join its growing network of over 1,800 engineers already signed up on the platform globally.

The company is actively seeking independent contractors and IT specialists with expertise in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, Microsoft Azure and cloud migration. Additionally, channel partners with excess IT talent can leverage Smart Hands Africa to deploy their resources more effectively, generating additional revenue.

Smart Hands Africa’s current offering encompasses data augmentation, integration and cloud solutions; DevOps and IT service management; SecOps, security and compliance; outsourcing and managed services; monitoring and reporting; ERP; and computer services, amongst others. The organisation is able to assist customers and partners at any point in their smart cloud journey.

“Our vision is to be Africa’s leading IT service partner, bridging the skills gap and enabling seamless technology deployment,” concludes Jacobsz. “Through this joint venture with ITArmi, we are committed to empowering IT channel partners with the expertise needed to accelerate growth, enhance service delivery and drive digital transformation across the continent.”

To join the Smart Hans Africa talent pool, please click here. For more information, please visit www.smarthandsafrica.com.

Nigeria is rapidly advancing in digital transformation, solidifying its position as a leader in Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). A new report by Rome Business School Nigeria highlights the country’s growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and broadband infrastructure, with the digital transformation market projected to grow from $9.61 billion in 2024 to $22.82 billion by 2029.

The finance and telecommunications sectors are driving this growth. Around 32% of financial service providers now use AI for credit scoring, fraud detection, and customer engagement, while fintech firms like Paystack and Flutterwave have revolutionized digital payments. Expanded broadband connectivity has also fueled e-commerce and entrepreneurial opportunities, strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

The ICT sector remains a key contributor to economic growth, making up 29% of Africa’s internet usage and increasing its GDP contribution from 8.1% in 2020 to 10.3% in 2022, reaching a valuation of $55.4 billion. Meanwhile, digitalization is transforming agriculture and manufacturing, with RusselSmith becoming the first 3D industrial manufacturer to produce anti-corrosion components for Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

Despite these advancements, challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of skilled digital talent persist. Antonio Ragusa, Founder and Dean of Rome Business School, emphasized that digital transformation is a catalyst for economic growth, urging stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s youthful population and tech ecosystem. Olakunle Asunmo, General Manager of Rome Business School Nigeria, highlighted the need for policy stability and skills development to sustain this momentum.

The report calls for increased investment, innovation, and collaboration to position Nigeria as a global digital leader.

Rome Business School Nigeria offers Master’s and MBA programs, both on-campus and online, as well as Executive Education programs, playing a vital role in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth.

As an Igbo woman from the banks of the River Niger in Anambra State, Nigeria, I carry with me not just the pride of my heritage but the undeniable essence of what it means to be an Igbo woman. My name is Marilyn Oma Anona-Usobunandu, and I am one of six daughters raised by parents who instilled in us the values of excellence, resilience, and cultural pride. Today, I stand as a testament to the strength, beauty, and brilliance of Igbo women everywhere.

Igbo women are more than just individuals; we are a captivating blend of strength, intelligence, and elegance. We embody beauty with purpose, rooted in a rich cultural heritage that balances tradition with modern ambition. From the bustling markets of our hometowns to the corporate boardrooms of the world, Igbo women are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and relentless drive. We are the heart of our families, the backbone of our communities, and trailblazers in every field we enter.

Here’s why I believe Igbo women are a gift to Nigeria and a blessing to the world:

1. **Resilience in the Face of Challenges**
Igbo women are known for their unwavering strength. We thrive through adversity, maintaining grace and dignity even in the toughest circumstances. Our high adversity quotient is a testament to our ability to rise above challenges and emerge stronger.

2. **Entrepreneurial Spirit**
Industrious and business-savvy, Igbo women excel in trade, commerce, and various entrepreneurial pursuits. Whether in the marketplace or running global enterprises, we are natural-born leaders in the world of business.

3. **Corporate Excellence**
Igbo women are well-represented in the corporate world, where we continue to break barriers and set new standards of excellence. Our intelligence, determination, and leadership skills make us stand out in any professional setting.

4. **Grace and Sophistication**
There’s an undeniable air of confidence and elegance that Igbo women carry. Whether in traditional attire or modern fashion, we exude sophistication and grace, making us stand out wherever we go.

5. **Commitment to Education**
Education and intellectual growth are highly valued in our culture. Igbo women excel in academics, leadership, and professional fields, constantly striving for personal and collective growth.

6. **Family and Community**
Family is at the core of who we are. Igbo women are deeply committed to nurturing relationships, fostering unity, and raising future generations with love and discipline. We are the glue that holds families and communities together.

7. **Kindness and Generosity**
Igbo women are known for their welcoming nature. We offer kindness and generosity to friends, family, and even strangers, embodying the spirit of *ubuntu*—I am because we are.

8. **Natural Beauty**
We celebrate our natural beauty, embracing our unique features and cultural identity with pride. Our beauty is not just skin-deep; it radiates from within.

9. **Loyalty and Support**
Igbo women are fiercely loyal to those we love. We stand by our loved ones with unwavering support and commitment, always ready to uplift and empower.

10. **Passion for Success**
Goal-oriented and driven, Igbo women are passionate about achieving success in all areas of life. We continuously strive for excellence, leaving a positive impact wherever we go.

To be honest, the world is a better place because of Igbo women. From our homes to global platforms, our influence is undeniable. We uplift, inspire, and transform lives, leaving a legacy of strength, love, and excellence.

I am proud to be an Igbo woman, and I am even prouder to see the incredible contributions of my sisters around the world. Igbo women are not just a gift to Nigeria; we are a blessing to humanity.

Writer: Marilyn Oma Anona-Usobunandu
Cover Photo:Sylvia Nduka