The two-day conference, which was held on 22 and 23 April 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, brought together policymakers, financial institutions, corporates and fintech players to discuss the evolving landscape of regional and global trade.

The event attracted over 400 delegates from more than 200 organisations, spanning sectors including banking, fintech, agribusiness and logistics; underscoring its position as a critical platform for shaping trade finance dialogue in the region.

The conference opened with a keynote address by Tedd George, founder & chief narrative officer, Kleos Advisory Ltd, focused on harnessing improving macroeconomic stability to drive sustainable trade growth across West Africa.

Subsequent sessions explored export diversification, supply chain finance and agribusiness-led trade, supported by practical case studies highlighting real-world applications.

Day two centred on digital trade and financial inclusion, with discussions on Africa’s mobile-first economy and contributions from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative, which emphasised the importance of accelerating the digitisation of global trade finance.

Stanbic IBTC Bank’s participation followed closely on the heels of Standard Bank Group’s engagement at the GTR Africa Conference in Cape Town, reinforcing the Group’s pan-African approach to advancing trade and financial integration across key markets.

Commenting on the Bank’s role at the conference, Jesuseun Fatoyinbo, Head of Transaction Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said the institution remains focused on delivering innovative solutions that respond to the shifting needs of businesses engaged in trade.

“At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we are steadfast in our commitment to driving economic growth through innovative transaction banking solutions. The trade finance landscape is evolving rapidly, and it is our responsibility to continuously adapt and strengthen our offerings to support our clients,” Fatoyinbo said.

“We understand the unique challenges faced by exporters and importers, particularly within agribusiness, and provide tailored solutions that simplify trade finance, enabling businesses to focus on growth and productivity.”

Also reflecting on the conference, Eric Fajemisin, executive director, Corporate and Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted the strategic importance of GTR West Africa to the region’s trade ecosystem.

“We leave this year’s GTR even more inspired as always, by the quality of engagement and the opportunities identified; and more committed than ever to enabling trade and economic development across Nigeria and the wider West African region. Trade finance is not peripheral to development, it is fundamental to it,” Fajemisin said.

Delegates from Stanbic IBTC Bank and Standard Bank Group contributed actively to the programme. Adedayo Adesanmi, Senior Vice-President, Structured Trade Finance, Standard Bank Group, shared insights on scaling supply chain finance and strengthening domestic value chains, while identifying cross-border growth opportunities.

In a dedicated agribusiness case study session, Seun Ogundolapo, head of Trade Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, alongside Sreenivas Alagonda, chief financial officer, Robust International Commodities, examined the practical delivery of structured commodity trade finance solutions.

The conference also welcomed senior trade finance leaders from across the Group, including Prince Baffour Agyei, Acting Head, Trade Working Capital, Stanbic Bank Ghana; Shunker Amish, Head, Transaction Banking Trade Distribution & Syndication, Standard Bank Group; and Joseph Anagblah, Head, Sales, Transaction Banking, Stanbic Bank Ghana; reinforcing the Group’s strong pan-African collaboration and continued support for the GTR platform.

As lead sponsor, Stanbic IBTC Bank hosted clients and stakeholders throughout the conference, facilitating high-level engagement, knowledge sharing and cross-sector networking. Through thought leadership panels and practical case studies, the Bank demonstrated its continuing focus on expanding access to trade finance and supporting businesses of all sizes.

Stanbic IBTC Bank remains committed to strengthening the trade finance ecosystem in Nigeria and across West Africa; helping businesses navigate complexity, unlock new opportunities and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

This landmark event brings together over 400 senior trade and finance professionals for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and innovation, tailored to enhance trade growth across West Africa.

Now firmly established as the most influential annual gathering for trade finance professionals in the region, GTR West Africa 2026 marks its 17th year and arrives at a defining moment.

The conference takes place at a time of improving economic conditions across the region; creating renewed opportunities for trade‑led growth.

Eric Fajemisin, executive director, Corporate & Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted,

“West Africa’s trade finance market is at a turning point. Improving macroeconomic fundamentals, an increasing demand for structured and digital trade finance solutions, and a renewed global focus on African markets have created a need for bold, coordinated action. Stanbic IBTC Bank is proud to be at the forefront of this conversation as the lead sponsor of GTR West Africa 2026. Our commitment extends beyond the conference; it represents a broader ambition to build a deeper, more resilient, and more inclusive trade finance ecosystem that will empower the next generation of West African commerce.”

In the face of global geopolitical uncertainties, evolving trade alliances, and increasing tariff pressures, the conference theme, “Financing Growth in West Africa’s Trade Epicentre,” underscores the urgent need for strategic resilience among regional trade actors.

The agenda will delve into key critical themes shaping the trade landscape in West Africa, including export diversification, infrastructure financing, supply chain finance, digital trade, and the evolution of structured trade finance in the commodities sector.

Featured speakers from Stanbic IBTC include Seun Ogundolapo, head of Trade – Transaction Banking, who is expected to share practical perspectives on structuring trade finance to support imports, exports, working capital, and risk management.

Also speaking at the event is Sreenivas Alagonda, Chief Financial Officer, Robust International Commodities, a client of Stanbic IBTC Bank; who will be bringing a real economy borrower perspective on commodity trade execution; including what businesses need from banking partners across financing, documentation, and transaction risk control.

Jesuseun Fatoyinbo, head, Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated,

“Participating in GTR West Africa 2026 represents a crucial opportunity for us to connect with leading trade finance experts and stakeholders in the region. As we navigate the evolving trade landscape, our aim at Stanbic IBTC Bank is to promote collaboration and innovation that will foster sustainable growth in West Africa. We view this conference as an essential platform for sharing insights and exploring solutions that will empower businesses and strengthen the regional economy.”

GTR West Africa 2026 will provide participants with extensive networking opportunities, enabling engagement with industry peers, experts, and decision‑makers across the trade and finance ecosystem.

With a diverse range of experts and stakeholders in attendance, this event promises to be a valuable platform for expanding professional networks and fostering business relationships.

Stanbic IBTC’s sponsorship reflects its strategic commitment to elevating trade and finance capacity across Nigeria and the wider West African region, consistent with its mandate as a key enabler of trade, investment, and economic transformation on the continent.