Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC Bank, has been confirmed as the platinum sponsor of the highly anticipated GTR West Africa 2026 conference, taking place on 22 and 23 April, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. 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.