First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has sponsored the Africa International Trade Exhibition (A.I.T.E 2023), held at the Hilton Hotel Midtown, New York, U.S.A.
The bank said in a statement that the event was themed: “The imperatives of global trade for African SMEs as a game changer for the continent’s future prosperity.”
It reiterated its commitment to being the bank of first choice and financial gateway in supporting businesses to boost the growth and socio-economic development of the continent in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
Tunde MacAlabi, visioner of the African International Trade Exhibition project, was quoted as saying: “The AITE project is conceived to assist African SMEs to gain greater penetration in the North American market that has huge potential. The African American population in the US is 30 million strong, spending close to 1.2 trillion dollars as consumers.’’
Africa’s SME sector is also a good representation of the unyielding and resilient spirit of the African people in the face of many daunting challenges.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of FirstBank Group, said: “I am particularly delighted that this year’s theme beams the spotlight on a sector that can be referred to as the bedrock of Africa’s economic prosperity.
“Africa’s SME sector is also a good representation of the unyielding and resilient spirit of the African people in the face of many daunting challenges.
“With a vision to become ‘Africa’s Bank of First Choice’, FirstBank’s commitment to the development and economic transformation of the African continent is unwavering and we will continue to make the required investments to actualize this goal. I make bold to say that, in FirstBank, Africa has a dependable ally.
Similarly, President & Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, said: “I am grateful to the African International Trade Exhibition (AITE) for the kind opportunity to participate in this event. I congratulate AITE for building this unique platform to rally global investments and policy support towards the attainment of the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreements.
Represented by the Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade, Afreximbank, Mrs Kanayo Awani, he added that: “These activities of AITE are significant compliments to Afreximbank’s trade facilitation agenda. We are therefore pleased to be associated with AITE and its activities.”
