Access Bank Strengthens Africa-Europe Trade Links at Paris Agricultural Show 2026
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Access Holdings PLC has reinforced its leadership in connecting African and European markets, as its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, inaugurated the Nigerian Pavilion at the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show.
The development marks a significant step in advancing trade, investment, and agricultural collaboration between Nigeria and France, while positioning the Group at the forefront of cross-continental economic integration.
Representing Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Ike formally opened the pavilion before an audience of global investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders, signalling Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening commercial ties with Europe and deepening agricultural value chains.
In his remarks, Ike described the Nigerian Pavilion as a symbol of readiness for partnership, investment, and shared growth. He noted that Paris serves as a strategic gateway into Europe, while Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic markets, adding that the presence of Nigerian banks enhances trade finance, investment flows, and cross-border partnerships.
The inauguration launches a week-long series of engagements focused on unlocking new investment opportunities, strengthening agribusiness value chains, and promoting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in international trade.
Access Bank continues to play a key role in enabling global commerce by providing the financial infrastructure that connects businesses, markets, and capital across continents.
Left-Right: Justin Maria, Access Bank Paris Branch Manager; Jean Haas, Secretary General, France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), and Jules Mabushi, Head of Relationship Management, Access Bank Paris, at the 2026 Paris International Agric Show in Paris, France…recently.
A central pillar of this strategy is the Paris branch of Access Bank UK, established in 2023, which facilitates trade and investment between Europe and Africa. Under the leadership of Justin Maria, the branch delivers specialised trade finance, corporate banking, and structured financing solutions that support seamless cross-border transactions and business expansion.
Through participation in high-level platforms such as the Nigeria Business Forum and the Spotlight Nigeria Business Forum, Access Holdings has strengthened investor confidence, boosted capital flows, and reinforced its position as a trusted financial partner for businesses operating across African and European markets.
The opening ceremony attracted prominent public and private sector leaders, including Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc; Adaora Umeoji, Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank Plc; Umar Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State; and Emmanuelle Blatmann, Director of African Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior government officials, investors, and corporate executives.
The Nigerian Pavilion, sponsored by the France–Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) and supported by leading institutions including Access Holdings and Access Bank, reflects growing momentum behind Nigeria’s global trade ambitions and the Group’s strategic role in fostering economic connectivity.
As global supply chains evolve, Access Bank remains committed to bridging Africa with international markets by supporting trade, facilitating investment, and empowering businesses to scale across borders. Its participation in the Paris International Agricultural Show underscores a broader vision of positioning Nigeria, and Africa at large, as key players in global commerce.
About France–Nigeria Business Council (FNBC)
The France–Nigeria Business Council is a strategic public-private platform focused on strengthening economic, trade, and investment relations between both countries. It brings together business leaders, government officials, and institutional partners to drive collaboration across sectors such as finance, infrastructure, agribusiness, energy, and industrial development.
About Access Bank
The Paris branch of Access Bank UK provides specialist trade finance, corporate banking, and cross-border services that enable European and African businesses to execute international transactions, manage liquidity, and access structured financing. The bank continues to play a key role in advancing Nigeria–Europe economic cooperation and supporting global business expansion.
