By Geoff Iyatse and Adaku Onyenucheya – TheGuardian
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to launch its landmark whitepaper with the aim of shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem to access the $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The whitepaper, titled “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” was unveiled on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Yearly Meetings in October 2025 in Washington, D.C., placing Africa’s economic agenda at the heart of global financial discussions.
The document presents a comprehensive and actionable framework for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, providing analysis of critical growth pillars including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth.
The document will also showcase strategies for leveraging domestic capital alongside strategic global partnerships to access the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who emphasised the strategic importance of this whitepaper, explained that over the past few years, the bank has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent.
“Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent
and its people cannot be overemphasised.
“We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth,” Elumelu said.
UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, remarked on the white paper’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for private sector leadership.
Alawuba explained that the whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of the bank’s capability, just as it also underlines that bank’s unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action.
He said the document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.
Source: TheGuardian
