The Group Chief Economist & Managing Director, Research and Trade Intelligence, African Export-Import Bank, Dr Yemi Kale, is set to deliver the keynote address at the second edition of the Customer Forum hosted by Ecobank Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, the bank said that the forum organised by its Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Business (Treasury) is themed ‘Strengthening Regional Integration for Economic Transformation’.

It is designed to examine critical issues shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic outlook in 2026, with particular focus on trade, financial markets, foreign exchange liquidity and regional integration, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement enters a strategic phase of implementation.

The keynote address, titled ‘The Future of Trade in Africa: Harnessing the AfCFTA for Economic Transformation’, will provide insights into Africa’s trade prospects and the transformative potential of the AfCFTA.

Announcing the event in Lagos, the Regional Treasurer of Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Olumide Adebayo, said the one-day programme reinforces the bank’s role as a trusted financial partner and customer-focused institution, with the intention to foster dialogue, support informed decision-making, and deepen regional economic integration across Africa.

According to him, the programme will open with welcome remarks by Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, who will underscore the bank’s commitment to supporting customers and driving inclusive growth through strategic dialogue, innovation and pan-African collaboration.

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 that Best Support FX Liquidity and Flows in Nigeria.

Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking institution with operations in 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai.