Access Holdings partners IFC to expand trade finance across Africa
Access Holdings Plc and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member, signed an agreement at the Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) 2026 to expand trade finance for African businesses. The partnership strengthens Access Group's capital position to finance enterprises and cross-border trade flows across its markets. IFC's investment forms part of Access Holdings' broader capital-raising programme targeting development finance institutions.
The deal was signed by Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, IFC Regional Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara, and Access Bank MD/CEO Roosevelt Ogbonna. Aig-Imoukhuede called it a "vote of confidence" in the institution and a step toward converting Access's continental scale into lasting value for businesses, trade facilitation, and communities. Tafara emphasized that expanding trade finance access is essential for African businesses to grow, reach new markets, and create jobs.
The agreement addresses a critical gap: African businesses often struggle to access trade finance needed for regional and global market participation. By reinforcing Access Group's capital base, the partnership aims to mobilize more financing for enterprises across the continent. Specific investment amounts were not disclosed in the announcement.
For Nigerian businesses and investors, this signals continued development finance confidence in the country's largest banking group. It suggests potential easing of trade finance constraints for importers and exporters using Access Bank's network. The partnership also reinforces Lagos's position as a financial hub attracting global development capital.
Will improved trade finance access through major banks like Access finally unlock the cross-border growth Nigerian SMEs have been waiting for?