On Monday, September 8, 2025, AFG Bank held a side event organized on the sidelines of IATF 2025. On this occasion, Dr. Kaladji FADIGA, CEO of Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export, spoke at the ceremony under the theme: “Catalyst for international trade in Africa: expectations of market players.”
In his speech, he pointed out that Africa, with more than 1.3 billion consumers, still accounts for only 15% of intra-African trade, compared to 69% in Europe and 59% in Asia. This observation reveals the persistent challenges but also the immense potential that the continent has to offer.
Dr. Kaladji FADIGA also emphasized that 90% of Africa’s economic fabric relies on SMEs, which expect much more than financial services from banks. In his view, banks must become true partners in transformation, promoting accessibility and inclusion, innovating through digitalization, providing expertise and support, and above all, ensuring speed and efficiency.
For Dr. Kaladji FADIGA, the challenge is therefore no longer just to offer financial products, but to build a banking ecosystem capable of supporting the emergence of African champions on the world stage.
Alongside personalities such as:
- H.E. Albert G. DOLE, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to Cairo,
- Mr. Sionlé YEO, Managing Director of AFG Holding,
- Mr. Karim KONE, Deputy Managing Director of AFG Holding,
- Mr. José MEPIAYE , Managing Director of AFG Capital,
- Mr. Thierno DIALLO, Managing Director of AFG Bank Guinea,
- Dr. Benjamin E. WALKER, Director of Market Development at the Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export,
This meeting paved the way for strong prospects regarding the strategic role of financial institutions in the development of intra-African trade.
