At the 2026 Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again pledged its support for the continent’s economic evolution.
The bank’s strategy centers on fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and building powerful global alliances to stimulate trade and industrialization.
The summit, titled “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” served as a high-level meeting point for heads of state, investors, and business pioneers from both Africa and Europe. The primary goal was to establish sustainable strategies for cross-border cooperation and industrial development.
During the event, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a fresh approach to the relationship between the two regions, prioritizing mutual investment and shared goals.
“Africa and France are equal partners with common objectives. We must build strategic autonomy through innovation, investment, and partnership,”
President Macron stated.
Echoing this sentiment, UBA Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu addressed the audience, emphasizing that the private sector and local entrepreneurs are the true engines of the continent’s economic potential.
“Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by entrepreneurship, investment, and bold partnerships,” Elumelu said.
Elumelu noted that for Africa to transform rapidly, there must be a synchronized effort between governments, financial bodies, and private enterprises. He argued that sustainable growth is tied to the ability of these partnerships to improve infrastructure, back small businesses, and widen trade corridors.
The summit highlighted UBA’s influential role as Africa’s Global Bank.
Operating in 20 African nations alongside hubs in New York, London, Paris, and Dubai, the institution acts as a bridge for businesses looking to navigate international markets while assisting global investors entering Africa.
Through its focus on trade finance and digital payment systems, UBA is positioning itself as a key facilitator for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The bank’s leadership reaffirmed their dedication to empowering SMEs and the younger generation of entrepreneurs, viewing them as essential to long-term prosperity.
UBA serves over 45 million customers worldwide, offering a full suite of institutional and retail banking services designed to promote financial inclusion and economic stability across the continent.
