The United Bank for Africa (UBA) is celebrating 75 years of shaping the financial landscape across Africa and the world. The milestone was commemorated at a global press conference, highlighting UBA’s remarkable journey from its Nigerian roots to becoming a leading pan-African bank with a global presence.
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, addressed the press conference, highlighting the key milestones that shaped UBA’s legacy. He emphasized the bank’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive economic prosperity across Africa.
Alawuba acknowledged the contributions of leadership and staff, particularly recognizing Mr. Tony Elumelu for his visionary leadership in shaping the bank’s achievements.
Alawuba attributed UBA’s success to three key pillars: digital transformation, a customer-centric approach, and unwavering resilience in the face of changing economic conditions. He reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to shaping the future through innovative solutions and personalized banking experience to its customers.
Read Also : NMB Bank Tanzania Partners with Brokers to Expand Investment Opportunities
Celebrating alongside the global festivities, Ms. Mary Mulili, UBA Kenya MD/CEO, highlighted UBA Kenya’s 15th anniversary of serving the Kenyan market. She expressed pride in being part of UBA’s 75-year legacy and emphasized the importance of collaboration.
Mulili cited the $6 billion SME funding agreement with the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a prime example of such partnerships and highlighted UBA Kenya’s dedication to supporting SMEs, the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
“Collaboration and partnerships as exemplified by the $6bn SME funding agreement signed with the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be instrumental in achieving our strategic objectives. We are dedicated to deepening relationships with customers, employees, regulators, and other stakeholders for mutual benefit and long-term success.” she said.
“UBA Kenya has allocated USD 282Million over the next 3 years for SME funding through this partnership. We remain committed to supporting SMEs and we recognise the financing and market access gaps which we are stepping in to bridge. SMEs play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy and contribute to over 90 per cent of total labour force.” Ms. Mulili added.
UBA aspires to be the go-to financial partner for SMEs, not only in Kenya but across Africa, contributing directly to the continent’s economic development.
UBA’s story began in 1949 as the British and French Bank Limited (BFB) in Nigeria. Following Nigeria’s independence, UBA was incorporated in 1961, taking over BFB’s operations and ushering in a new era for the bank. UBA embarked on a strategic expansion, solidifying its position as a dominant force through mergers like the landmark deal with Standard Trust Bank in 2005, on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Read Also : Equity Bank Tanzania Unveils Mwanamke Plus Program
This growth wasn’t just about numbers. Each acquisition, including Continental Trust Bank, Trade Bank, and others, presented opportunities to integrate innovative practices and financial solutions. This relentless pursuit of progress cemented UBA’s reputation as a leader in the ever-evolving financial sector.
UBA’s vision transcends national borders. The bank aspires to unite Africa while connecting the continent to the global community, fostering a two-way flow of trade and investment.