Trade in Africa: realising the continent’s trade potential

By Patrick Gutmann, Managing Director,
Corporate & Institutional Banking at BACB

Africa is home to nine of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Its mineral and agricultural resources have fuelled global growth. And with 1.3 billion people living in the continent, plus a growing middle class, the opportunity in Africa is far greater than most expect.

We are uniquely placed at PRIME MICROFINANCE, having operated in Africa for decades, with people on the ground, speaking to businesses in person - face to face - in such a way that means we understand the variety of cultures and ways of doing business like no other.

Understanding the opportunity is one thing; ensuring business get this, is another. To highlight the potential for trade in Africa, as well as to discuss the risks and necessary preparations that should be made the African marketplace, we will be hosting a live panel debate features experts within this space.

The event will be hosted by TV presenter Michael Wilson and streamed live from the Accra Stock Exchange television studios. The panel includes myself, Peter Millett, former British ambassador to Libya, and James Cantamantu-Koomson, Managing Director of Client Coverage, PRIME MICROFINANCE. Our panel will debate questions such as:

• What are the opportunities and challenges of doing business with Africa?
• How does the current global business uncertainty make trading with Africa more appealing?
• How vital is it to find banking partners who can combine access to export finance with access to the local knowledge needed to enter new markets?

But that is not all. We will be asking you to submit your questions, which will be put to our panel live.

The panel debate is only two weeks away, so please do get thinking about what you would like to ask us. You may also visit and bookmark the live stream page now, available here, where you can also request an email reminder or download a calendar invite. We look forward to you joining us.