London – Ghana International Bank (GHIB) has entered a strategic collaboration with Vista Bank Group, aimed at expanding access to trade finance across West Africa and strengthening intra-African banking cooperation. The partnership was sealed at the CONVERGE ’25 conference in London through a formal signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, GHIB will serve as Vista Bank Group’s primary correspondent banking partner across Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. The collaboration will leverage GHIB’s long-standing global banking relationships to enhance Vista Bank’s capacity in international trade finance, cross-border payments, and correspondent banking services.

“This partnership represents our commitment to be Africa’s bridge to international finance and correspondent banking. Since 1959, we have provided African banking groups with access to funding, global trade finance, and payments. We are honored to now extend this to the Vista Group,” said Dean Adansi, Chief Executive Officer of GHIB.

Vista Bank Group, through Vista Group Holding SA, operates as a pan-African financial services provider with a strong focus on SMEs, trade finance, leasing, and bancassurance. The collaboration will introduce GHIB’s “TradeBridge” model, giving Vista Bank clients—especially small and medium enterprises—access to international credit lines, letters of credit, guarantees, and foreign exchange services that regional African banks have struggled to secure independently.

“Ghana International Bank has become our gateway to the global financial system. Where others have failed to provide access, GHIB has demonstrated true commitment to African development. This partnership will allow us to better serve SMEs in Banjul, Dakar, Freetown, Ouagadougou, and Conakry with world-class trade finance solutions,” said Serge Raymond, Managing Director of Vista Bank France.

The collaboration addresses persistent barriers faced by African banks in securing international correspondent relationships and credit facilities—critical tools for driving trade and economic growth. Both institutions expect the partnership to significantly build trade finance capacity in West Africa, while advancing the broader goals of African financial integration and economic inclusion.

The announcement was made during CONVERGE ’25, GHIB’s flagship thought leadership conference, themed “Rethinking Commodity Finance for Growth.” The event brought together leaders in African trade finance, banking, commodity markets, and policy to chart innovative paths

Mrs.  Acquaah-Arhin’s promotion is a testament to her exceptional capabilities and deep understanding of the African financial landscape. It also signals GHIB’s dedication to an equal opportunities’ talent management framework, based on fostering a culture of merit and performance.

Speaking on the appointment, Dean Adansi, CEO of Ghana International Bank said “GHIB has always been at the forefront of promoting an inclusive, merit-based culture within the financial sector. The appointment of Hueggert Acquaah-Arhin as Ghana Country Representative and Head of Africa Regional Coverage reflects this. Hueggert brings to this role a solid track record of performance and I am confident she will continue to deepen our strong links and impact in Africa. Baafuor’s elevation allows us to leverage his growth record in Africa across our global footprint, as we continue to lead the way in providing access to international finance for Africa-focused sovereigns and corporates, through London. Baafuor’s expertise will be key as we pivot to intermediate deals and transactions from OECD and Asian markets to Africa.”

Mrs.  Acquaah-Arhin’s leadership is expected to further strengthen GHIB’s operations in Ghana and across Africa, bolstering the Bank’s mission to be the preferred trade and correspondent bank for the region. Her role will be pivotal in enhancing GHIB’s regional strategies, fostering stronger banking relationships, and across the continent in markets including Tanzania, Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, and the Gambia.

GHIB’s announcement underscores the Bank’s role as a champion for gender equality and women’s advancement in the financial industry. GHIB has a record of strong women.

leaders in its organization. Presently Ophelia Attobrah (Chief Banking Officer), Janet Mbu (General Counsel & Company Secretary) and Gillian Heggs (Head People, Culture and Communications) are senior leaders on the Banks executive committee.

GHIB is considered the leading Trade Bank for Africa. Since 1959, it has led the way in providing access to global markets and international finance for African sovereigns and corporates. It provides correspondent banking, trade finance, and payments, collections, and treasury solutions. GHIB is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.