FirstBank Supports GTR West Africa 2026 For Trade, Finance Growth

FirstBank has announced its support for the Global Trade Review (GTR) West Africa 2026 conference, scheduled for April 22 and 23 in Lagos.

The bank noted recently that the conference is expected to bring together about 450 delegates from over 200 companies across 15 countries, with 45 speakers lined up to deliver insights over two days.

Discussions will focus on key sectors shaping trade in the region, including agribusiness, hard commodities, infrastructure development and risk mitigation.

Organisers said the event will provide actionable intelligence and forward-looking analysis on trends, challenges and opportunities influencing trade across West Africa.

Speaking on the development, acting group head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s participation reflects its commitment to driving trade and investment across sub-Saharan Africa.

He noted that the bank, with six subsidiaries in the West African region, is leveraging platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to enhance intra-African transactions, support small and medium enterprises and improve business competitiveness across the continent.

The conference will feature speakers from across the financial and corporate sectors, including Nneka Korley-Ndahi and Oluseye Thomas of FirstBank; Queenette Durosinmi-Etti of UAC of Nigeria; Adesanmi Adedayo of Standard Bank Group; Innocent Isichei of ACIOE Associates; and Karim Ezzeddine of SkyKapital.

FirstBank said its sponsorship of the event underscores its commitment to stimulating economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa and strengthening its trade finance capabilities in the West African market.