The Ghana International Bank (GHIB) Africa Trade Leaders forum officially opened on Monday at the Banjul International Convention Centre, bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, and top executives from across the continent to discuss trade finance as a key driver for Africa’s economic growth.
The GHIB AfriTradeX Forum 2026, kicked off from February 9 to 13 2026, is a landmark event in The Gambia. It’s the first GHIB event outside the UK and Ghana, hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
The conference focuses on “Reimagining International Trade Finance for Africa’s Economic Future” and brings together key stakeholders, including central banks, financial institutions, and government officials to advance Africa’s trade competitiveness and financial integration.
In his welcoming remarks, GHIB Deputy CEO Raymond Sambou welcomed delegates, emphasising the historic significance of holding such a high-level gathering in The Gambia.
“This is not just symbolic it is a statement of Africa’s potential and the importance of African-led institutions in shaping the continent’s financial future,” he said.
He highlighted GHIB’s commitment to closing the trade finance gap and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mr Sambou noted that trade finance affects all sectors from exporters and manufacturers to farmers, and stressed that no single institution or country could address the challenge alone.
The conference featured GHIB’s CEO Dean Adansi, who detailed the bank’s role as a bridge between global capital and African markets.
“Our impact on SMEs and corporate entities lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth across the continent,” Mr Adansi said, adding that GHIB has been instrumental in supporting trade finance, foreign exchange, and risk management solutions for local banks, contributing to private sector growth and job creation.
Speakers included Gambia Central Bank Governor Buah Saidy, who emphasised the importance of strong domestic banks in supporting local economic recovery. A former UK Lawmaker Lord Paul Boateng also highlighted trade finance as a catalyst for Africa’s integration into global markets.
The discussions were focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which unites 55 countries with a combined population of over 1.3 billion. Delegates explored strategies to boost intra-African trade, facilitate seamless movement of goods and services, and strengthen regional financial systems.
In his keynote address, Hon. Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, appealed to policymakers and financial institutions to harness trade finance as a tool for inclusive growth, emphasizing that collaboration is critical for Africa’s sustainable development.
The GHIB Africa Trade Leaders Dialogue signals a renewed focus on empowering African institutions, fostering regional integration, and creating the financial infrastructure necessary for long-term economic resilience.
Delegates will continue engagements, training sessions, and policy discussions throughout the week.
