Amanze ChinonyeUnited Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has unveiled a landmark whitepaper aimed at redefining the continent’s financial landscape and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
The document, titled “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” will be officially presented on the sidelines of the World Bank–International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in October 2025, in Washington, D.C. The launch will place Africa’s development priorities at the centre of global financial discussions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to UBA, the whitepaper outlines a comprehensive framework for unlocking Africa’s economic potential through key growth drivers such as trade facilitation, infrastructure financing, digital transformation, climate finance, and inclusive growth. It also proposes strategies for mobilising domestic capital and leveraging international partnerships to unlock the continent’s $3.4 trillion single-market opportunity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, said the whitepaper reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing Africa’s economic agenda through actionable initiatives rather than rhetoric.
“UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action,” Elumelu stated. “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 added that the bank would continue to provide the necessary capital, platform, and network to transform Africa’s potential into measurable growth and prosperity.
UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the whitepaper as both a “call to action” and a “statement of capability,” underscoring the private sector’s role in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
“This whitepaper underlines UBA’s unique position in facilitating partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future,” Alawuba said. “It delivers critical insights at a defining moment for the continent’s financial infrastructure.”
With operations in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA serves more than 45 million customers globally and employs over 25,000 people. The bank continues to champion financial inclusion, technology-driven banking solutions, and investment in Africa’s long-term economic sustainability.
The whitepaper launch is expected to attract global policymakers, investors, and development finance institutions as Africa’s financial systems take centre stage in Washington.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
