Africa-Press – Gambia. The Ghana International Bank (GHIB) Africa Trade Leaders Dialogue opened Monday at the Banjul International Convention Centre.
The meeting brought together finance ministers, central bank governors and senior executives from across Africa to discuss trade finance as a key driver of the continent’s economic growth.
The week-long conference, scheduled from 9 to 13 February 2026, marked the first GHIB event hosted outside the United Kingdom and Ghana.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GHIB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Raymond Sambou welcomed delegates and highlighted the significance of hosting the high-level gathering in The Gambia.
He described the event as a demonstration of Africa’s potential and the growing role of African-led financial institutions in shaping the continent’s financial future, while reaffirming GHIB’s commitment to addressing the trade finance gap and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Sambou notes that trade finance impacts multiple sectors, including exporters, manufacturers and agriculture, stressing that collective action among institutions and countries is essential to address existing challenges.
GHIB Chief Executive Officer Dean Adansi outlined the bank’s role as a bridge between global capital markets and African economies. He said the institution has supported trade finance, foreign exchange and risk management solutions for local banks, contributing to private sector growth and employment creation.
“Our impact on SMEs and corporate entities lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth across the continent,” Adansi said.
Governor Buah Saidy of the Central Bank of The Gambia emphasized the importance of resilient domestic banking systems in supporting economic recovery, while former United Kingdom lawmaker Lord Paul Boateng highlighted trade finance as a catalyst for Africa’s integration into global markets.
Discussions during the conference also focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which brings together 55 countries with a combined population exceeding 1.3 billion people. Participants explored strategies to boost intra-African trade, facilitate the movement of goods and services and strengthen regional financial systems.
In his keynote address, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita urged policymakers and financial institutions to leverage trade finance to promote inclusive growth, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve sustainable development across Africa.
The GHIB Africa Trade Leaders Dialogue is expected to continue with policy discussions, training sessions and stakeholder engagements throughout the week.
