United Bank for Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa’s economic development through entrepreneurship, innovation, trade expansion, and stronger international partnerships.
The bank made this known during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brought together African and European leaders, investors, business executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss sustainable economic growth and stronger cooperation between both regions.
The summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” focused on finding new ways to strengthen industrialisation, investment, and cross-border business opportunities across Africa.
Speaking at the summit, Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of building a new relationship between Africa and France based on equality, innovation, and long-term investment.
According to Macron, Africa and France share common goals and should work together to create stronger economies through strategic partnerships and innovation-driven development.
Also addressing participants at the event, Tony Elumelu said Africa’s future success would depend more on entrepreneurship and private sector investment than foreign aid.
Elumelu explained that empowering entrepreneurs, supporting businesses, and encouraging investment would help unlock Africa’s economic potential and create sustainable jobs for millions of young people across the continent.
He added that cooperation between governments, banks, development institutions, and private investors remains essential for improving infrastructure, expanding trade, and increasing industrial growth in Africa.
According to him, stronger partnerships will help African countries attract investments, boost manufacturing, and improve economic integration across the continent.
UBA highlighted its growing role in connecting African businesses to global markets through its operations in 20 African countries and international presence in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bank stated that its cross-border payment systems, trade finance services, and digital banking platforms are helping businesses and entrepreneurs expand beyond their local markets and benefit from opportunities created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
UBA also noted that small and medium-scale enterprises remain important to Africa’s economic future and require greater financial support, access to technology, and stronger regional trade connections to thrive.
The lender further emphasised the importance of partnerships between African institutions and global investors in driving industrialisation, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
According to the bank, Africa possesses enormous economic potential, but achieving long-term prosperity will require innovation, collaboration, and consistent investment in entrepreneurship and technology.
UBA said it remains committed to building financial systems that support sustainable growth, promote intra-African trade, and empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The summit ended with renewed calls for stronger cooperation between Africa and Europe as leaders seek practical solutions to boost economic development, create jobs, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.
