The Head of Trade and Working Capital at Absa Bank Ghana, Emmanuel Mensah, has affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses with the financial resources needed to grow and expand, particularly those seeking to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during a Roundtable Discussion at the 2026 Citi Business Festival on Thursday, June 11, Mr Mensah indicated that access to funding remains available for businesses with sound operational structures and sustainable business models.
According to Mr Mensah, financial institutions have a responsibility not only to support business development but also to ensure that the funds entrusted to them by depositors are invested prudently.
He explained that Absa Bank remains open to financing businesses operating within the AfCFTA ecosystem, provided they can present credible business plans and demonstrate their capacity to generate sustainable returns over the long term.
“In terms of funds availability, there are funds to support businesses but we need to ensure that the business plan and model is viable and sustainable because if you are really seeking long-term financing, banks will obviously assist these models.
“These funds are depositors’ money and so we need to assess those models to be comfortable that they are viable businesses, even if it is an existing business that needs to scale up.”
The Citi Business Festival, one of Ghana’s leading business-oriented events, continues to serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and financial experts to discuss critical issues affecting business development and economic transformation.
This year’s festival is focused on equipping businesses with the knowledge, strategies, and partnerships needed to navigate an evolving economic landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities both locally and across the African continent.
The Citi Business Festival 2026 is powered by 97.3 Citi FM and Channel One TV in partnership with ABSA Bank. And it’s proudly sponsored by, MTN, Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd. and Petra Trust.
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