L-R: Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc; Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President, Federal Republic of Germany, and Sebastian Barroso da Fonseca, Head, German Desk, Access Bank Plc, during the visit of the German president to Access Bank’s headquarters in Lagos… recently.
Access Bank Plc played a pivotal role in advancing German-Nigerian trade relations as it hosted President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany during his inaugural visit to Nigeria. Accompanied by a delegation of German business leaders, President Steinmeier’s visit underscored the deepening economic partnership between the two nations, with Access Bank serving as a key facilitator of bilateral trade and investment.
During his Nigerian tour, President Steinmeier engaged in high-level discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ECOWAS Chairman Omar Touray in Abuja, addressing regional economic opportunities. In Lagos, his itinerary included a landmark visit to Access Bank, where he met with German and Nigerian business leaders to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment.
At the heart of the engagement was a business roundtable hosted by Access Bank’s leadership team and its renowned German Desk. The roundtable focused on finance and energy—two critical sectors driving sustainable growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, emphasized the mutual benefits of the German-Nigerian relationship, stating:
“Nigeria’s position as Germany’s second-largest trading partner in Africa highlights the potential for further collaboration. Access Bank remains committed to leveraging its expertise in cross-border banking to foster partnerships that promote economic advancement and innovation across the continent.”
Roland Siller, CEO of DEG (German Development Bank), also addressed the roundtable, outlining the financial solutions DEG offers to businesses from both nations.
Celebrating its sixth anniversary this year, Access Bank’s German Desk has become a vital support system for over 100 German and European businesses operating in Sub-Saharan Africa. Led by Sebastian Barroso da Fonseca, the Desk provides tailored financial solutions, including local funding, cash management, and streamlined repatriation processes. With its reach extending across Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, and other markets, the German Desk has proven instrumental in navigating Africa’s financial ecosystem.
The day concluded with a Networking Reception at Access Bank’s headquarters, where stakeholders and delegates further strengthened ties and explored new collaborative opportunities.
President Steinmeier’s visit highlights Africa’s growing economic significance, with the continent achieving a 30% GDP increase over the past decade and annual growth rates exceeding 5%. As a gateway for trade and investment, Access Bank continues to leverage its international presence across 24 countries to facilitate cross-border economic partnerships, reinforcing its role as a bridge between global investors and Africa’s dynamic markets.
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