Global Trade Talk Series 2025: Catalysing seamless cross-border trade and payments

The MCB Global Trade Talk Series 2025, held under the theme Catalysing seamless cross-border trade and payments, brought together leading voices to reflect on how international commerce can adapt to an increasingly complex environment.

Moderated by Arnaud Levasseur, Executive Vice President – Global Transaction Banking at MCB, the session featured Wilfried Giner, Head of Global France at Atradius, and Sean Edwards, President of ITFA. Together, they shared insights on driving smoother, faster, and more resilient trade and payment ecosystems, with a particular focus on the opportunities emerging across Africa.

Navigating uncertainty in global trade

Both speakers agreed that today’s trade environment is defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Political tensions and tariff disputes have reshaped the global landscape, making it difficult for businesses to plan long-term.

Wilfried Giner emphasised the need for adaptability: “We are in front of a change of paradigm, and companies will have to adapt. There are still some opportunities, especially in Africa.”

Sean Edwards added that while much of the global economy may feel stalled, this period of uncertainty can also spark innovation and new trade flows: “I wouldn’t call it a war. I would call it dealing with uncertainty… and for Africa, that’s tremendous.”

Africa’s moment to lead

Africa emerged as a central theme of the conversation. As global powers re-evaluate their trade priorities, the continent has the chance to chart its own path and expand intra-African commerce. Edwards stressed: “The real prize is within Africa itself. Intra-African trade really can take off, should take off, has not yet taken off. But this is really an opportunity to seize and say: what can we do for ourselves?”

Beyond the opportunities, the discussion highlighted the positive momentum already building across the continent. With improving political stability, stronger investment flows, and an active push to enhance infrastructure and logistics, Africa is positioning itself as a growth engine for global trade. Realising this potential, however, will rely on collaboration—between governments, financial institutions, and businesses—to remove barriers and create an environment where cross-border trade can thrive.

Building resilient ecosystems

The discussion underscored the importance of resilience in trade ecosystems. From financing and insurance to new partnerships, the panelists pointed to collaboration as the key to building systems that can withstand uncertainty while enabling sustainable growth.

Watch the full Global Trade Talk Series: