South Africa as Africa’s Trade Gateway: Strengthening the Rails for Cross-Border Growth
Access Bank to Convene Global Trade Leaders in Cape Town for Africa Trade Conference 2026
2nd February 2026
By Abiodun Dada, Co-CEO, Access Bank South Africa
South Africa is uniquely positioned to become the gateway for African trade and investment. With world-class financial markets, robust institutions, and a mature business ecosystem, the country already has the building blocks in place. The next step is ensuring that the infrastructure supporting cross-border trade evolves in line with business demand, particularly for SMEs.
At Access Bank South Africa, we believe that strengthening these trade “rails” is essential to enabling faster, more seamless execution across Africa and beyond.
What Are the “Rails” of Cross-Border Trade?
The “rails” refer to the financial and operational infrastructure that enables trade to flow smoothly across markets, including:
- Transactional banking that is fast and reliable
- Trade finance solutions that reduce risk and support business contracts
- Global markets access to manage foreign exchange exposure and volatility
These capabilities are essential for South African businesses looking to expand into the rest of Africa or scale their export activities.
In November 2025, South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R37.7 billion, with exports totalling R188 billion and imports reaching R150.3 billion. This momentum now needs to be supported by systems that deliver speed, trust, and execution at scale.
From Policy to Practical Execution
There has been significant progress in developing continental trade frameworks, particularly through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). South Africa benefits from clear policy direction, established regulatory institutions, and an outward-looking business community.
As trade volumes increase, execution becomes the key differentiator. Reducing friction between buyers and sellers, businesses and banks, and approvals and disbursements is critical. Even small delays can introduce cost and complexity into supply chains. Practical, well-integrated banking systems enable businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
SMEs at the Heart of the Opportunity
Across Africa, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 90% of all businesses and play a vital role in employment and regional value chains.
In South Africa, SMEs connect corporates to local and regional markets. Their success in cross-border trade depends on access to:
- Predictable settlement timelines
- Reliable trade finance
- Consistent documentation across markets
When these elements work well, SMEs are better positioned to participate meaningfully in regional and international trade. Access Bank South Africa’s SME banking strategy focuses on value-chain integration, helping small businesses grow alongside larger commercial and corporate clients.
Consistency as the Foundation of Trust
Trust in banking is built through consistency. Clients value clear requirements, transparent timelines, predictable processes, and reliable escalation points. A coherent experience across products, teams, and geographies reduces uncertainty and supports long-term growth.
Access Bank’s One Bank approach reflects this philosophy. By leveraging a coordinated pan-African footprint, we aim to deliver consistent standards and support wherever our clients operate. For a Johannesburg-based exporter, settling a transaction in Lagos or shipping goods to Nairobi should feel equally predictable and dependable.
Our Focus at Access Bank South Africa
At Access Bank South Africa, our priorities align with the broader growth ambitions of the economy. We are focused on:
- Strengthening transactional banking and lending propositions
- Delivering tailored trade finance and global markets solutions
- Deepening client relationships through consistent, customer-centric service
- Supporting SMEs through value-chain banking and strategic partnerships
This approach is not about doing more for the sake of it. It is about doing the right things well and doing them together.
Learn more about trade finance solutions
A Shared Opportunity for African Growth
Across the continent, trade is becoming more tangible. Businesses are expanding into new markets, investing in capacity, and creating jobs. Policy frameworks such as AfCFTA provide direction, but execution is what turns that direction into measurable impact.
By continuing to strengthen the rails that support cross-border commerce, South African businesses can access opportunities across Africa and connect more effectively with global markets. In doing so, they contribute to a more integrated, resilient, and competitive African economy.
Contact Access Bank South Africa to explore how we can support your cross-border growth.