United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc used the Africa Forward Summit to reinforce its position as “Africa’s Global Bank,” pitching trade finance, cross‑border payments and digital platforms as the plumbing for a more integrated continental economy.
At the gathering — themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” — UBA framed its offering to businesses, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs as critical to unlocking the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that stronger banking corridors and scalable digital services are essential for firms to expand across borders.
Now serving over 45 million customers, a significant jump supported by the bank’s recent surge to ₦33 trillion of total assets in Q1, 2026, UBA remains committed to empowering businesses, SMEs, and entrepreneurs through its robust banking solutions, trade finance capabilities, cross-border payment infrastructure, and digital banking platforms.
Trade, Tech and Talent
The bank highlighted product capabilities that support intra‑African commerce: trade finance lines, regional payment rails and corporate banking solutions designed to reduce frictions in cross‑border trade and investment. UBA stressed that scaling fintech and digital distribution will be key to converting Africa’s demographic dividend into productive entrepreneurship.
Strategic Pillars for African Entrepreneurship
UBA’s roadmap for continental empowerment focuses on four key operational areas designed to move SMEs and large corporates from local players to regional titans.
These are Trade Finance by providing the letters of credit and guarantees necessary for cross-border logistics, Payment Infrastructure by utilizing UBA’s proprietary network to settle transactions across 20 African nations, Digital Platforms for scalable retail and commercial banking tools for Africa’s 45 million+ customers and Global Connectivity by linking African markets to the UK, USA, France, and the UAE.
Strategic Partnerships and Policy
Chairman of UBA Group, Tony O. Elumelu speaking at the Summit, stressed private‑sector led growth, and called for deeper collaboration between governments, development partners and financial institutions to mobilise investment and industrialise the continent.
“Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by entrepreneurship, investment, and bold partnerships,” Elumelu said.
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the message, urging a renewed Africa‑France partnership focused on innovation and strategic autonomy.
Footprint and Reach
With operations in 20 African countries and hubs in the UK, US, France and the UAE, UBA positions itself as a conduit for international capital into African markets and as a bridge for African firms seeking global expansion. The bank prioritises solutions for SMEs and cross‑border corporates to capture AfCFTA opportunities and drive long‑term, sustainable growth.
The Summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” convened Heads of State, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across Africa and Europe to explore sustainable pathways for economic growth, industrialisation, and stronger cross-border collaboration.
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