United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, is taking a bold step in shaping the continent’s economic trajectory with the forthcoming release of a landmark whitepaper.
Titled “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” the publication will debut on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank–International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. The launch aims to position Africa’s financial transformation and investment potential at the center of global economic dialogue.
The whitepaper lays out a robust roadmap for accelerating the continent’s growth, examining key enablers such as trade expansion, infrastructure development, digital transformation, climate financing, and inclusive prosperity. It also details strategies for mobilizing domestic capital and fostering international partnerships to unlock the $3.4 trillion market opportunity presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Tony Elumelu, UBA’s Group Chairman, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting the bank’s growing influence in driving meaningful investments across Africa.
“UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action. With this whitepaper, we are championing initiatives that convert strategic dialogue into bankable projects and direct investments. Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent and its people cannot be overemphasised,” Elumelu said. “We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth.”
Group Managing Director and CEO, Oliver Alawuba, also underscored the urgency of private sector leadership in driving the continent’s financial transformation.
“This whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of our capability,” Alawuba said. “It underlines our unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action. The document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.”
With a workforce of over 25,000 and more than 45 million customers globally, UBA remains one of Africa’s largest and most influential financial institutions.
Operating in 20 African countries as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, the bank continues to advance financial inclusion and innovation through retail, commercial, and institutional banking services.