By Juliet ETEFE
Group Managing Director-United Bank for Africa (UBA) Oliver Alawuba has emphasised the bank’s focus on becoming the payment bank for capital flows, trade and investments between Africa and the rest of the world.
He said this at a global press conference marking the 75th anniversary of UBA, where he noted that the bank will not relent on its effort but rather continue to invest in innovative products, services and digital platforms which enhance customer experience and drive operational efficiency.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of longevity but also a testament to the resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence which have defined UBA’s journey over the decades.
“Innovation and digital transformation are at the heart of UBA’s strategy for future growth and competitiveness. We will continue to invest in innovative products, services, and digital platforms that enhance customer experience and drive operational efficiency.
“Looking ahead, our vision is clear – to be the role-model for African Businesses. UBA is one bank, uniting Africa while connecting Africans to the world and the world to Africa. Our primary focus is to be the payment bank for Capital flows, trade and investments between Africa and the rest of the world,” he said.
He added that the bank will remain committed to expanding its presence, creating value for shareholders and seizing growth and emerging opportunities in the market.
Mr. Alawuba also reassured of the bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, with significant initiatives in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability positively impacting communities across Africa.
He added that: “Collaboration and partnerships as exemplified by the US$6bn SME funding agreement signed with the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be instrumental in achieving our strategic objectives”.
He reiterated UBA’s ‘Customer First philosophy, urging continued support and collaboration from all stakeholders to drive future success.
Group Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, also highlighted UBA’s impressive growth; saying it is now operating in 20 African countries and four global financial hubs (New York, London, Paris and Dubai), serving over 35 million customers through a robust network of over 25,000 staff, 350,000 POS terminals, 2,000 ATMs and 1,000 business offices.
He noted that over the past 75 years, the bank has demonstrated stability, reliability and excellence, achieving numerous milestones and making significant impacts in the communities it serves.
He also pointed out that the bank’s robust performance in recent years is a testament to its sound strategies and dedication to operational excellence, positioning it as an attractive investment opportunity consistently delivering exceptional value to shareholders.
“As you will learn from our interactions today, we look forward to another 75 years – 100 years of impact on our people, businesses and communities across the globe.
“Together, we will continue to uphold our core values of Excellence, Enterprise and Execution, driving sustainable growth and success,” he stated.
