First Bank of Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the Global Trade Review West Africa 2026 conference scheduled to take place this week in Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to driving trade, investment, and financial integration across the region.
The conference, GTR West Africa 2026, is expected to gather about 450 delegates from over 200 companies across 15 countries. It will feature 45 speakers over two days of discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing focused on the future of trade in West Africa.
Key discussion areas will include agribusiness, commodities, infrastructure development, and risk mitigation strategies, all aimed at improving regional trade efficiency and economic cooperation.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank of Nigeria, emphasized the bank’s strategic role in supporting cross border trade. He noted that with subsidiaries across six West African countries, the bank is actively strengthening financial connectivity within the region.
Ijabiyi highlighted the adoption of the Pan African Payment and Settlement System, known as Pan African Payment and Settlement System, as a key innovation improving transaction efficiency. He explained that the system is helping to reduce friction in cross border payments while empowering small and medium enterprises as well as large corporates.
The two day event will also feature industry leaders and experts including Nneka Korley Ndahi of First Bank, Oluseye Thomas of First Bank trade finance division, Queenette Durosinmi Etti of UAC of Nigeria, and other notable figures from global financial and trade institutions.
Organizers say the conference will provide actionable insights into emerging opportunities and challenges shaping West Africa’s trade landscape, with a focus on strengthening resilience and competitiveness across key sectors.
First Bank’s sponsorship underscores its broader mission to support economic growth across sub Saharan Africa through improved financial infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regional integration.
Leave a comment