The Access Bank UK Limited – Paris Branch proudly participated in the 2026 edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show, reaffirming its strategic role in advancing trade, investment, and agribusiness collaboration between Africa and Europe.
The event brought together global investors, policymakers, agribusiness leaders and financial institutions, providing a high-level platform to advance agricultural value chains and unlock new cross-border opportunities. A key highlight of the event was the official inauguration of the Nigerian Pavilion by Innocent C. Ike, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings PLC. In his remarks, he emphasised the strategic importance of deepening commercial partnerships between Nigeria and France, positioning Paris as a gateway to Europe and Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic markets.
As a key facilitator of Africa–Europe trade, The Access Bank UK Limited – Paris Branch continues to provide specialist trade finance, corporate banking and structured financing solutions that enable businesses to execute seamless international transactions. Since its establishment in 2023, the Paris Branch has played a critical role in supporting SMEs and corporates looking to scale across borders, particularly within the agribusiness sector.
Among the distinguished visitors was Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. His visit reflected the strong diplomatic and economic ties between France and Nigeria, and reinforced the importance of deepening collaboration across agriculture, trade and investment. His attendance added significant prominence to Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show, reinforcing the role of the event as a platform for advancing strategic Africa-Europe partnerships.
Jamie Simmonds, CEO/MD of The Access Bank UK Limited commented “Participating in the 2026 Paris International Agricultural Show gives us an opportunity to connect directly with the agricultural community and key industry stakeholders. We are proud to support initiatives that drive sustainable growth and strengthen relationships across Africa, the MENA region
and internationally.”
Justin Maria, Branch Manager of The Access Bank UK Limited – Paris Branch, added: “We are delighted to showcase out commitment to innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth, and to reinforce our role as a Bank that not only facilitates financial services, but actively contributes to meaningful development in every region we operate.”
The attendance of The Access Bank UK Ltd – Paris Branch underscores the Group’s unified approach to driving sustainable economic growth across continent and further demonstrates the Bank’s strategic vision of connecting markets, unlocking investment opportunities, and strengthening Africa–Europe economic integration.
