UBA Deepens Support for SMEs, Sponsors Lagos Trade Fair

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) for global competitiveness as it headlines the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) for the seventh consecutive year.

Organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), this year’s edition, which opened last week Friday, November 7, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, will run till November 17, attracting thousands of exhibitors, investors, and visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

UBA, in line with its customer-first approach, said it has set up a full-service branch within the trade fair complex, offering attendees access to seamless banking services. According to the bank, customers who carry out transactions including deposits, withdrawals, or transfers at the fairground branch will automatically qualify to participate in a special “Lucky Dip” draw, with opportunities to win premium prizes instantly.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, UBA’s Head of SME Banking, Babtunde Ajayi, highlighted the bank’s enduring partnership with the LCCI as a strategic initiative to mobilise capital and empower enterprises across Africa.

“Our consistent support for the LITF and our strategic, bank-wide initiatives around the AfCFTA are interconnected. They are two sides of the same coin, and it reflects a deep-seated commitment to building the robust financial architecture that is required to empower African businesses and enable them trade seamlessly across borders.” He said.

UBA’s group head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted that the bank’s involvement is within the broader framework of its recently published white paper outlining a roadmap toward a $4 trillion African economy.

“The LITF represents one of several strategic platforms through which UBA is actively translating the ambitious goals of our white paper into tangible action. Our comprehensive roadmap to a $4 trillion African economy is being built through practical, on-ground engagements such as this, which is focused on growing SMEs for global impact. These are platforms that directly connect businesses, facilitate commerce, and unequivocally demonstrate our resolve to turn a bold vision into a tangible reality for millions.”

Ladipo further noted that deep partnerships, continuous digital innovation, and cross-border trade solutions will serve as catalysts for inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.