United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation, trade facilitation, and strategic global partnerships at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 held in Nairobi.
The summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together Heads of State, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from Africa and Europe to discuss sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, and stronger cross-border cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron of France called for a renewed Africa–France partnership focused on innovation, investment, and shared prosperity.
“Africa and France are equal partners with common objectives. We must build strategic autonomy through innovation, investment, and partnership,” Macron said at the summit.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, stressed the importance of entrepreneurship and private sector-led development in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
“Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by entrepreneurship, investment, and bold partnerships,” Elumelu stated.
He emphasised that stronger collaboration among governments, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector was necessary to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
According to Elumelu, sustainable growth across the continent would depend on partnerships that encourage investment, support entrepreneurs, strengthen infrastructure, and improve trade within Africa.
The summit also provided an opportunity for UBA to reinforce its position as Africa’s Global Bank and a major facilitator of trade, investment, and economic integration across the continent.
With operations in 20 African countries and a presence in the United Kingdom, France, United States, and the United Arab Emirates, the bank said it continues to connect African businesses to global opportunities while supporting international investors entering African markets.
UBA noted that its banking solutions, trade finance services, cross-border payment systems, and digital platforms were designed to support SMEs, entrepreneurs, and corporates seeking expansion opportunities across borders, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The bank also reiterated the importance of stronger collaboration between African and international institutions to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and digital transformation across the continent.
As discussions on Africa’s economic future continue, UBA said it remains focused on supporting entrepreneurs, expanding intra-African trade, and building financial systems that promote innovation and long-term sustainable growth.
