…Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and MD of Research and Trade Intelligence at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to Deliver Keynote Address
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Ecobank Nigeria is set to host the second edition of its Customer Forum at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Organised by the Bank’s Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) Business (Treasury), the forum carries the theme “Strengthening Regional Integration for Economic Transformation.” The one-day event will explore key issues shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic outlook for 2026, with particular focus on trade, financial markets, foreign exchange liquidity, and regional integration, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) enters a strategic phase of implementation.
Announcing the forum in Lagos, Ecobank Nigeria’s Regional Treasurer, Olumide Adebayo, said the programme underscores the Bank’s role as a trusted financial partner and customer-centric institution, aimed at fostering dialogue, supporting informed decision-making, and promoting deeper regional economic integration across Africa.
The event will open with welcome remarks by Mr. Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, who will highlight the Bank’s commitment to customer support and inclusive growth through strategic dialogue, innovation, and pan-African collaboration.
The keynote address, titled “The Future of Trade in Africa: Harnessing the AfCFTA for Economic Transformation,” will be delivered by Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist & Managing Director, Research and Trade Intelligence at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). His presentation will provide insights into Africa’s trade prospects and the transformative potential of the AfCFTA.
The forum will also feature two high-level panel discussions: “Balancing the Risk between Interest Rate and Exchange Rate: Business Expectations and Outlook in 2026” and “Export Proceeds, Oil Receipts and Remittances in 2026: Exploring Options to Support FX Liquidity and Flows in Nigeria.”
The sessions will be moderated by Aruoture Oddiri, Host and Producer of Global Business Report on Arise News, and Barnabas Vajeh of Ecobank Nigeria Limited.
