Launch of The Access Bank UK Dubai Representative office 7th October 2015, DIFC Dubai

Launch of The Access Bank UK Dubai Representative office 7th October 2015, DIFC Dubai

We are delighted to announce the opening of our offices in Dubai located in the prestigious Gate Building in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with an objective to support the growth of trade relations between the UAE and Africa.

The press and media were invited to attend the media round table event on the 7th October where Jamie Simmonds (CEO and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK) and Herbert Wigwe (Chairman of The Access Bank UK and Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc) outlined the strategic vision and positioning for the establishment of the Dubai operation.

“The economic links between UAE and Africa are already growing and we see this accelerating over the next decade. At The Access Bank UK, we are excited to establish our presence in the UAE in order to foster economic and trade ties between UAE and key African countries including Nigeria,” stated Herbert Wigwe, The Access Bank UK Chairman.

“Nigeria is the world’s 24th largest economy, making it a dominant market and a preferred investment destination”, said Jamie Simmonds. “Over the past few years, businesses in the UAE have shown a natural affinity for expanding their presence into Africa, and as a fully licensed independent subsidiary in the UK with a parent bank in Nigeria and with the opening of our Dubai office, we offer a unique and powerful combination to unlock opportunities for businesses who want to invest in Africa.”

This was followed by a presentation where specialist Nigerian Economist – Bode Agusto highlighted the growth, trade and investment potential of Sub Saharan Africa and especially Nigeria. He said that “whilst in the short term the outlook will be tough given the reduction in oil prices there is significant opportunity to invest more in manufacturing, oil and gas and infrastructure, however you must know and understand the terrain and take a medium to long term view.”

The Access Bank UK’s office in DIFC will continue to serve the bank’s existing clients in the UAE as well as introducing the bank’s portfolio of services to companies keen on investing in Nigeria and other parts of Africa directly or through trade finance.

In the evening guests attended the exclusive launch event held at the Michelin star restaurant Clé in the DIFC. The guests were given an opportunity to network in luxurious surroundings and understand more of what The Access Bank UK plans for Dubai and the wealth of opportunities for trade and investment in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) where the Representative Office is located.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) where the Representative Office is located.
Jamie-Simmonds-Herbert-Wigwe-Olabode-Agusto
Jamie Simmonds (CEO/ MD The Access Bank UK), Herbert Wigwe (Chairman and Non-Executive Director) and Olabode Agusto (Independent Nigerian economist).
Jamie Simmonds during his speech.
Jamie Simmonds during his speech.
Herbert Wigwe during his speech.
Herbert Wigwe during his speech.
Olabode Agusto during his presentation
Olabode Agusto during his presentation
Launch venue – Micheline star restaurant Clé located in the DIFC
Launch venue – Micheline star restaurant Clé located in the DIFC
Guests networking.
Guests networking.
Launch venue – Micheline star restaurant Clé located in the DIFC.
Launch venue – Micheline star restaurant Clé located in the DIFC.
Media Round Table.
Media Round Table.

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