Global trade continues to drive Africa's economic development by connecting producers, financiers and markets across borders. As supply chains become more complex and capital flows more sophisticated, collaboration across the trade finance ecosystem is essential.

GTR East Africa 2026, taking place from 12 to 13 May at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, brings together the leaders shaping African trade. As the region's premier trade, supply chain, infrastructure and commodity finance forum, the event creates space for practical dialogue on how African trade can support sustainable economic growth.

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) looks forward to engaging clients and partners at GTR Kenya 2026 and to contributing perspectives on trade finance, supply chain finance and agricultural finance that support long-term value creation.

Why trade finance is critical to African economic growth

Trade finance underpins African trade by enabling liquidity, managing payment risk, and supporting cross-border transactions. For many businesses, it provides access to global trade markets that would otherwise remain out of reach.

By supporting exporters, importers and intermediaries across the supply chain, trade finance plays a direct role in economic growth and broader economic development. It strengthens working capital cycles, enhances confidence in financial markets, and supports the expansion of African businesses into new markets.

At Nedbank CIB, trade finance forms part of an integrated suite of corporate finance solutions designed to support clients as trade environments evolve.

The role of supply chain finance in global trade

Supply chains now operate across multiple markets, currencies and risk environments. Supply chain finance has become a critical tool for managing liquidity, improving cash flow visibility, and strengthening buyer-supplier relationships.

For African trade participants, these solutions help integrate local producers into global trade networks while enhancing supply chain resilience. Supply chain finance also supports financial market stability by aligning funding with underlying trade flows. At GTR Kenya 2026, industry participants will explore how these structures continue to adapt to changing global trade dynamics.

Africa's trade corridors and emerging market opportunities

Africa's trade corridors remain central to regional integration and growth. From agricultural exports in East Africa to increased intra-African trade, these corridors offer opportunities for scale, diversification and investment.

Unlocking this potential depends on coordinated investment in logistics, energy and infrastructure, supported by effective trade finance and infrastructure finance solutions. GTR East Africa 2026 provides a platform to examine where opportunities exist and how financial markets can respond to the needs of faster, more connected African trade.

Agricultural finance and Africa's food security agenda

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Africa's economy and food security. As climate and sustainability pressures intensify, agricultural finance must support more resilient and responsible production models.

Financing solutions are increasingly aligned with regenerative farming, climate adaptation and sustainable supply chains. Trade finance now intersects with environmental outcomes, carbon markets and long-term land stewardship. These themes will feature prominently at GTR Kenya 2026, reflecting agriculture's role in both economic growth and sustainable development.

Industry collaboration driving financial innovation

Trade functions best when banks, corporates and service providers collaborate to address shared challenges related to risk, liquidity and efficiency. Many advances in trade finance emerge through partnership and practical engagement.

GTR East Africa continues to serve as a forum where these conversations translate into action. Over 2 days, delegates will engage with expert speakers from across the trade finance ecosystem, building partnerships that support innovation across African trade.

What business leaders can expect from GTR Kenya 2026

GTR East Africa 2026 offers focused, practical discussions on the realities shaping African and global trade. The programme spans trade finance, supply chain finance, infrastructure and commodity finance, and risk management and liquidity considerations.

Nedbank CIB will be present throughout the event, engaging clients and partners through stand activations and panel discussions. Our participation reflects our commitment to supporting African trade through tailored corporate finance solutions and long-standing expertise across trade and agricultural finance.

Panellist spotlight