Global trade event draws on Africa’s economic emergence

‘Managing Africa’s transformation’ formed the central theme for discussions among the continent’s trade financiers, as the community met for GTR Africa Trade Finance Week 2015 in Cape Town on March 11-13.

Organised with the support of key institutions such as Barclays, Standard Bank, Deutsche Bank, Nedbank Capital, Societe Generale, Ecobank, Afreximbank and Africa Finance Corporation, among many others, the event built on its reputation as the largest pan-African trade finance gathering, welcoming participants from markets as diverse as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Angola, and benefitting from the expertise of finance heads from renowned exporters and trading companies such as Olam, Nokia, Atlantic Energy, Stallion Group, Eskom, Capespan, Gulf Power, Essar and Export Trading Group (ETG).

Taking place over the course of three days, with an expanded format incorporating additional streams, break-outs, workshops and networking events, GTR Africa Trade Finance Week 2015 placed strong emphasis on the trade and export priorities of companies of all sizes. Over 300 delegates were in attendance, with key drivers for growth and new economic ‘hotspots’ forming the central basis for discussion.

“Africa continues to be perhaps the global market of choice when it comes to trade potential, with a range and depth of opportunities unrivalled by most other markets and a will to maximise those opportunities from the global financial community,” says Peter Gubbins, Managing Director of Global Trade Review (GTR). “Whether it’s oil and gas opportunities in Nigeria, power and transport projects across the East African Community (EAC), challenges faced in South Africa’s mining and agribusiness sectors or increased interest in newer markets such as Angola and Mozambique, both the risks and potential rewards will be covered comprehensively in what promises to be a fascinating few days.”

Beginning with the Supply Chain Masterclass workshop on Wednesday March 11, a simulation that bridges treasury, procurement, sales and supply chain management, the main conference took place on March 12-13, with leading topics including regulatory and compliance challenges and their impact on lending appetites, commodity financing trends, opportunities in Francophone Africa, financing the value chain, informal trade, financial crime and various case studies on a number of exciting new initiatives.

The event concluded with a special seminar session organised by the Association of Corporate Treasurers South Africa, focusing on the many challenges faced by the modern treasury professional.