The 2025 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) has once again positioned itself as more than a marketplace. It has become a think tank, a networking hub, and a vision-crafting stage. Among the voices that stood out this year was that of Sunmbo Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer for The Caribbean Expansion at Access Bank, who delivered a strong call for youth and diaspora-driven growth.
Speaking on the theme, “The Global Africa We Want: Business Collaboration Without Borders,” Olatunji urged stakeholders to look beyond geography and see Africa as part of a global ecosystem. She argued that the continent’s biggest asset remains its youthful population, strategic resources, and the powerful influence of its diaspora.
“The Global Africa we want is one without borders in spirit, vision, or opportunity,” she said, her voice carrying conviction across the hall. “An Africa where our youth, diaspora, and private sector drive collaboration that makes us a central player in the global economy.”
Her words drew applause not only for their vision but also for the practicality embedded within them. Olatunji did not stop at painting a dream; she identified tangible areas where cross-border partnerships could yield immediate dividends. Agriculture and food security, the creative and cultural industries, sustainable tourism, and digital innovation all featured prominently in her roadmap.
To her, the synergy between Africa and the Caribbean is natural, almost inevitable. “By combining Africa’s scale with Caribbean expertise and diaspora networks, we can unlock value chains in agriculture, export our culture more effectively, and create unique tourism and digital innovation ecosystems,” she explained.
In a world still grappling with food insecurity and supply chain disruptions, her spotlight on agriculture resonated deeply. Africa holds vast arable land while the Caribbean contributes specialized knowledge in agri-tech and value addition. Together, they could redefine global food systems.
Equally compelling was her emphasis on the creative and cultural industries. Africa’s music, fashion, and storytelling are global exports already shaping culture worldwide. With diaspora networks acting as bridges, these exports could evolve into billion-dollar industries, challenging stereotypes while building wealth.
Tourism also featured as a strong pillar. Olatunji spoke of blending Africa’s scale of attractions with the Caribbean’s refined hospitality experiences. “Imagine a tourism ecosystem that allows visitors to experience Africa and the Caribbean as one extended destination,” she suggested, painting a picture of seamless cultural and economic integration.
Perhaps most exciting for young entrepreneurs was her push for digital innovation. From fintech to health tech, Africa’s startups have shown resilience and creativity. Linking these ventures with Caribbean expertise and diaspora investment could accelerate their global competitiveness.
But Olatunji was quick to note that these dreams would remain fragile without the commitment of the private sector. She urged businesses to rise beyond profit-making and adopt a role in resilience building. “Financial institutions must provide platforms that enable trade, simplify remittances, and support entrepreneurs,” she declared.
Access Bank, she said, has chosen to lead by example. The institution’s Caribbean expansion is not just about financial services; it is about weaving stronger threads of collaboration between Africa’s dynamic economies and diaspora wealth. “At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as bankers, but as connectors of opportunities,” she affirmed.
Her words captured the essence of the IATF 2025 itself. Organized by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union, the fair has become the premier platform for accelerating intra-African trade and strengthening Africa–Caribbean partnerships.
Delegates from across continents agreed that the message of borderless collaboration could not have come at a better time. With global economic uncertainties, climate change, and shifting trade patterns, the need for Africa and its diaspora to pool strengths has never been more urgent.
As the curtains fell on Olatunji’s session, one truth lingered: Africa’s growth story cannot be written without its youth and diaspora. And with institutions like Access Bank pushing boundaries, the vision of a truly global Africa might just be closer than imagined.
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