UBA Expands Reach To 20 African Countries, Eyes Further Global Growth

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has solidified its position as one of Africa’s most diversified and far-reaching financial institutions, with operations now spanning 20 African countries and several key international financial centers.

UBA’s latest strategic review, led by group managing director/CEO Oliver Alawuba, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint across high-potential African markets while deepening its presence in existing locations.

UBA Group senior executives responsible for UBA’s 24 countries of operation gathered together at the group’s half year Business Review held at its global headquarters in Lagos Nigeria. Alawuba said the gathering was an opportunity to restate the Group’s pan-African strategy, and commitment to further expanding the Group’s coverage across high potential twenty African presence markets.

With over 51.7 per cent of Group revenues from ex Nigerian operations, UBA’s journey to being Africa’s most diversified markets across Africa, while also deepening its operations in its existing financial services group, was clearly in evidence,

The international strategic intent reinforces the Group’s intention to deliver innovative financial solutions to its fast-growing global customer base. The strategy demonstrates UBA’s unique position as Africa’s global bank and ability to leverage growth opportunities in emerging and leading delivery innovative financial solutions to its fast-growing global customer African markets.

The Group commenced its Pan African journey,with its entry into Ghana followed by rapid expansion into 18 additional African markets.

Today, a resilient and future-focused institution, UBA continues to push the boundaries by connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa.

Alawuba highlighted the Group’s expansion plans, disclosing that it is excited about the vast opportunities that the new markets present, a testament to UBA Group’s confidence in the African economy, providing world-class banking services that meet the continent’s evolving needs.

“UBA’s vision is clear -we are building a truly global institution anchored in Africa, but serving customers across continents. Further strategic expansion positions us to unlock new opportunities, support intra-Africa trade, and deliver world-class banking experiences wherever our clients choose to do business,” Alawuba said.

“In Europe, UBA has operations in the United Kingdom and is upgrading its license in France, expanding its capacity to serve cross-border trade, investment flows, and the African diaspora, complementing our over 40-year presence in NY. These moves signal a clear message of UBA’s intent to reshape the competitive landscape”, Alawuba further said.

As part of the Group’s plan to expand its global presence, UBA, in January,announced plans to open operations in Saudi Arabia.

Operating In 20 African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

The bank’s pan-African strategy has seen it grow rapidly since its first expansion outside Nigeria into Ghana in 2004, followed by entry into 18 additional African markets. Today, UBA operates in 20 African countries, including but not limited to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.

Beyond Africa, UBA also maintains a presence in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, and has announced plans to open a branch in Saudi Arabia, further cementing its status as a truly global bank.