United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, recognized as “Africa’s Global Bank,” has once again emphasized its unwavering commitment to aiding the success of small and medium-scale businesses (SMEs) in Nigeria and across the African continent, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to their economies and the continent as a whole.
This pledge from UBA’s management was delivered during the official opening of the 37th Lagos International Trade Fair (LIFT) 2023, organized by the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) under the theme, ‘Navigating Economic Challenges, Forging a Path to Prosperity,’ held in Lagos State.
Since 2019, UBA has been the headline sponsor for this pivotal event, and the current edition, the 36th edition, taking place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, between November 4 and 13, 2023, is also headlined by the bank.
Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Managing Director of UBA, commended LCCI for its visionary leadership in consistently hosting the trade fair and its ongoing efforts to provide a platform for businesses in Nigeria and Africa to thrive and prosper.
He recognized the invaluable role that SMEs play in advancing the success of economies worldwide, highlighting UBA’s ongoing support for the fair and its provision of expert advice that empowers SMEs to become global champions, as demonstrated by numerous success stories of businesses that have participated in the fair over time.
Prince Ayewoh, UBA’s Group Head of Retail Products and Sales, also spoke at the event, acknowledging LCCI’s role in transforming the fair into a significant attraction for SMEs from across the continent.
Ayewoh noted that SMEs typically contribute around 50% of GDP and 60% of employment in national or local economies, but they tend to contribute only about 30% of exports and even less of international investment.
In light of this, UBA, with its extensive presence across Africa and other major global economies, actively seeks partnership opportunities that benefit the business environment and the economies where it operates. The bank is committed to lifting businesses in Africa to unprecedented heights, involving all stakeholders in this mission.
UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector in Africa, with 25,000 employees worldwide and serving over 35 million customers globally. Operating in 20 African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services, driving financial inclusion and employing cutting-edge technology.
