In a significant move to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has allocated $1.62 billion in financing for the first year under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

This initiative is part of UBA’s larger $6 billion commitment to support SMEs over the next three years.

UBA’s Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, announced the details during the bank’s 75th-anniversary global press conference. He highlighted that the total $6 billion will be distributed incrementally: $1.62 billion in the first year, $1.92 billion in the second year, and $2.88 billion in the third year.

This structured approach aims to provide sustained and escalating support to SMEs, fostering their growth and integration into the continental trade framework.

A specific focus of this financing initiative includes UBA’s Ghanaian subsidiary, which has allocated $300 million to SMEs participating in AfCFTA. This effort underscores the bank’s commitment to driving economic growth and facilitating trade across African borders.

Mr Alawuba emphasized UBA’s strategic aim to become the leading payment bank for capital flows, trade, and investment between Africa and the global market.

By committing substantial resources to SMEs under AfCFTA, UBA aims to enhance the economic dynamism of the continent and support the overarching goals of the AfCFTA in promoting intra-African trade and economic integration.

The AfCFTA agreement, which came into effect in January 2021, is one of the most ambitious trade projects globally, aiming to create a single market for goods and services, facilitated by the free movement of people and investments across the continent. UBA’s financial commitment is a substantial contribution to the operationalization and success of this landmark trade agreement.

As SMEs are critical to economic growth and employment in Africa, UBA’s $6 billion financing over three years is expected to have a transformative impact, helping businesses scale operations, improve competitiveness, and engage more effectively in cross-border trade.

Capital for SMEs to Invest in New Technologies

This financing will provide the necessary capital for SMEs to invest in new technologies, expand their product lines, and enter new markets, thus driving economic development and prosperity across the continent.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA), established in 1949, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic growth and integration across Africa.

With its latest financing initiative aimed at bolstering intra-African trade, UBA is set to enhance economic collaboration and connectivity across the continent.

UBA’s journey of expansion is a testament to its dedication to Africa’s economic development. Initially operating solely in Nigeria, UBA has grown to establish a presence in 20 African countries and four major global financial centers—London, Paris, Dubai, and New York. This extensive network underscores UBA’s strategic vision of connecting African markets with the global economy.

Employing 25,000 staff members and serving 35 million customers, UBA’s scale is significant. Its operational infrastructure includes 1,000 business offices, 2,000 ATMs, 20 million cardholders, and 50,000 point-of-sale terminals.

These resources enable UBA to provide comprehensive banking services across various regions, facilitating both personal and business financial needs.

The bank’s for ay into international expansion began with its entry into Ghana in 2004, marking its first subsidiary outside Nigeria.

UBA Ghana has since become a crucial part of the bank’s operations, operating 31 branches and playing a pivotal role in UBA’s strategy to extend its footprint beyond Nigeria. The success of UBA Ghana highlights the bank’s commitment to regional growth and development, serving as a model for future expansions.

As UBA looks ahead, its emphasis on digital innovation and economic integration is poised to position it as a central player in Africa’s financial sector. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering closer economic ties within Africa, UBA aims to drive sustainable growth and enhance the continent’s global economic connections.

UBA’s efforts to strengthen intra-African trade and economic integration are not just about expanding its own business; they are about creating a more connected and prosperous Africa.

This initiative aligns with broader continental goals, such as those outlined in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, thereby boosting trade and investment.