Access Bank Hosts German President Steinmeier, Reaffirms Commitment to German-Nigerian Trade Relations
Access Bank Plc played host to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during his historic first official visit to Nigeria. The event underscored the increasing importance of economic ties between Germany and Nigeria, with Access Bank at the forefront of fostering these collaborations.
President Steinmeier, accompanied by a delegation of German business leaders and representatives, emphasized Germany’s commitment to expanding trade partnerships across Africa. His visit included high-profile meetings with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja and ECOWAS Chairman Omar Touray. In Lagos, the president’s agenda featured a notable stop at Access Bank and engagements with Nigerian startup founders and German-Nigerian business representatives.
Strengthening Economic Partnerships
At Access Bank, a business roundtable took center stage, bringing together German and Nigerian stakeholders to discuss critical areas of collaboration, particularly in finance and energy. Hosted by Access Bank’s leadership and its renowned German Desk, the session aimed to identify actionable strategies for driving economic growth and innovation.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, highlighted the significance of the bilateral relationship during his address at the roundtable. “Germany’s role as Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Africa demonstrates the immense potential of this partnership. Access Bank is dedicated to facilitating sustainable growth, leveraging our expertise in cross-border banking to unlock opportunities for both nations,” Ogbonna said.
The roundtable also featured insights from Roland Siller, CEO of DEG (German Development Bank), who elaborated on the financial products and support DEG offers to German and Nigerian businesses, emphasizing the bank’s role in fostering economic synergy.
The Role of Access Bank’s German Desk
Access Bank’s German Desk, celebrating its sixth anniversary, has become a vital resource for German and European businesses operating across Sub-Saharan Africa. Under the leadership of Sebastian Barroso da Fonseca, the Desk has supported over 100 clients by providing comprehensive financial solutions, including local funding facilitation, cash management, and seamless repatriation of funds. Its operations span Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, and other countries, offering businesses a reliable partner to navigate the complexities of African markets.
Networking Reception and Strategic Vision
The visit concluded with a Networking Reception at Access Bank’s headquarters, providing delegates and stakeholders an opportunity to deepen relationships and discuss future opportunities. President Steinmeier’s visit aligns with a period of rapid economic growth across Africa, which has seen a 30% increase in GDP over the past decade and sustained annual growth rates of over 5%.
Nigeria, as a key player in the continent’s economic landscape, continues to attract global investors, with Germany emerging as a pivotal partner. Access Bank, with its extensive international footprint spanning 24 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia, remains strategically positioned as a gateway for trade and investment, facilitating cross-border collaboration and driving economic advancement.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Access Bank reaffirms the critical role financial institutions play in enabling partnerships that foster sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity across Africa.
Source: Access Bank
