The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming Africa’s most globally competitive and diversified financial institution, following the successful conclusion of its 2025 Half-Year Business Review held at its global headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
The strategic meeting, led by the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, brought together top executives from UBA’s expansive 24-country footprint, including its African subsidiaries and international operations in key global markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
Alawuba used the platform to underscore the Group’s Pan-African growth trajectory, pointing to a major milestone: more than 51.7% of UBA’s revenue now originates from operations outside Nigeria. This achievement, he noted, highlights the bank’s emergence as one of Africa’s most geographically diversified financial services institutions.
“UBA’s vision is clear — we are building a truly global institution, anchored in Africa but serving customers across continents,” Alawuba declared. “Our continued expansion positions us to unlock new opportunities, support intra-African trade, and deliver world-class banking services wherever our clients choose to do business.
He further disclosed that the bank is exploring entry into additional high-potential markets while consolidating its footprint in the 20 African countries where it currently operates.
UBA began its pan-African journey in 2004 with Ghana, and has since expanded rapidly to cover nearly every major African economic bloc, connecting the continent to international financial systems.
Beyond Africa, UBA has deepened its international presence, recently upgrading its banking license in France to support cross-border trade and investment flows. The bank’s long-standing operations in New York, which span over four decades, and its growing foothold in the Middle East—especially in the United Arab Emirates—are key pillars in its global integration strategy.
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In a landmark development, UBA in January 2025 announced plans to launch operations in Saudi Arabia, signaling its intent to bridge financial ecosystems between Africa and major global economic centers.
“UBA is positioning itself as the financial engine room of Africa’s global integration,” said Tayo Shonibare, a Lagos-based banking analyst. “Its international and intra-African expansion aligns perfectly with the continent’s growing economic importance.”
Ngozi Ekezie, an investment strategist, added: “The diversification of UBA’s revenue sources beyond Nigeria is a smart strategic hedge in light of the varying economic cycles across regions.”
UBA continues to lead in digital banking and financial inclusion, delivering retail, commercial, and institutional banking solutions to more than 45 million customers worldwide. It also stands as one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial services sector, with a staff strength exceeding 25,000 employees.
“We are not just scaling operations,” Alawuba said. “We are shaping the future of African banking — building infrastructure, empowering communities, and driving technology.”
With a clear focus on cross-border expansion, innovation, and inclusive growth, UBA is solidifying its reputation as a Pan-African financial powerhouse with global reach.