United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to take the global stage in New York as the financial powerhouse positions Africa at the center of international dialogue during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
With a groundbreaking whitepaper on Africa’s economic future and a series of high-level engagements, UBA is reaffirming its role as a bridge between the continent and the world.
At the heart of UBA’s presence this year is the unveiling of its first-ever whitepaper, “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth.”
The document lays out actionable strategies to mobilize investment and partnerships across key growth sectors—trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive development.
For UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, this moment is not just about shaping conversations but driving real outcomes.
“These conversations are fundamentally different from previous discussions because they will be followed by feasible and actionable decisions,” Elumelu emphasized. And, further disclosed “UBA will actively work to implement these outcomes for the benefit of the continent, as committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability.”
The whitepaper marks a milestone: it is the first time an African financial institution is presenting such a comprehensive blueprint at the UNGA. By placing Africa’s growth on the global agenda, UBA is signaling a shift—from a continent often seen as a beneficiary of aid, to a co-architect of global prosperity.
Beyond the whitepaper launch, UBA’s activities at UNGA 2025 will include the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Roundtable, hosted by UBA America, and the annual UBA Reception. These platforms are expected to convene heads of state, policymakers, investors, and business leaders in conversations that go beyond rhetoric to explore pathways for direct investment in Africa.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, reinforced this vision, stressing the importance of private sector leadership in Africa’s transformation. “It is no longer enough for us to highlight Africa’s challenges—we must demonstrate capacity, commitment, and creativity in shaping solutions,” he said. “This whitepaper is proof that African institutions are ready to set the agenda and deliver results.”
The scale of UBA’s global operations underlines its credibility. With over 25,000 employees, more than 45 million customers worldwide, and a presence in 20 African countries as well as key financial hubs in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA has the reach and infrastructure to mobilize meaningful action.
Elumelu, who has long championed African entrepreneurship and investment through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, sees UNGA 2025 as a pivotal stage for Africa’s narrative. “The United Nations General Assembly is the largest and most official gathering of world leaders, and we cannot let such an opportunity pass without major African players like UBA taking centre stage to showcase Africa’s potential,” he noted.
As global leaders converge on New York from September 15 to 25, UBA’s presence promises to spotlight Africa not as a passive participant, but as a vital contributor to global growth. The bank’s bold agenda—anchored on actionable strategies and high-level engagement—aims to unlock Africa’s immense potential and reposition the continent as a driver of sustainable prosperity for the world.
