In a landmark move to elevate Africa’s position on the global stage, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, widely regarded as Africa’s Global Bank, is gearing up to make a transformative impact at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to take place from September 15 to September 25, 2025, in New York City. This year’s UNGA, a pivotal gathering of world leaders, policymakers, and influential stakeholders, provides a unique platform for UBA to showcase Africa’s vast economic potential, foster high-level dialogues, and drive actionable outcomes aimed at unlocking sustainable growth across the continent.
As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, UBA is not only participating in the UNGA but is also taking a leadership role by spearheading initiatives that position Africa as a critical driver of global prosperity. The bank’s multifaceted agenda at the 2025 UNGA includes the launch of a groundbreaking whitepaper, hosting strategic roundtables, and organizing a high-profile reception to convene global leaders. These efforts underscore UBA’s commitment to fostering partnerships, mobilizing capital, and catalyzing transformative change in Africa’s economic landscape.
A Visionary Whitepaper to Unlock Africa’s Potential
At the heart of UBA’s participation in the 80th UNGA is the unveiling of a pioneering whitepaper titled Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth. This document, a first-of-its-kind initiative by an African financial institution at the UNGA, represents a bold step toward articulating a clear and actionable roadmap for harnessing Africa’s economic potential. The whitepaper is designed to serve as a blueprint for collaboration between African stakeholders and the global community, emphasizing opportunities in key sectors such as trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth.
The significance of this whitepaper cannot be overstated. Africa, with its youthful population, abundant natural resources, and rapidly growing markets, is poised to become a global economic powerhouse. However, unlocking this potential requires strategic interventions, innovative financing models, and robust partnerships. UBA’s whitepaper addresses these imperatives by providing data-driven insights, policy recommendations, and practical strategies to bridge the gap between Africa’s opportunities and the capital needed to realize them.
The whitepaper highlights several critical areas of focus. In trade, it explores how African economies can leverage regional integration initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to boost intra-African trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). In infrastructure, it underscores the need for investments in energy, transportation, and digital connectivity to drive industrialization and economic diversification. Digital innovation is another key pillar, with the whitepaper advocating for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance financial inclusion, streamline business processes, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Climate finance is also a central theme, with UBA emphasizing the importance of sustainable investments to address environmental challenges while fostering economic resilience. Finally, the whitepaper champions inclusive growth, advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access to opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women, youth, and marginalized communities.
By presenting this whitepaper at the UNGA, UBA aims to shift the narrative around Africa’s role in the global economy. Rather than being seen solely as a recipient of aid or investment, Africa is positioned as a dynamic partner capable of driving global prosperity. The whitepaper serves as a call to action for governments, private sector players, and international organizations to collaborate with African institutions like UBA to unlock the continent’s potential.
Strategic Engagements at the UNGA
Beyond the whitepaper launch, UBA has planned a series of high-impact activities to amplify its message and foster meaningful dialogue at the 2025 UNGA. One of the key events is the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Roundtable, hosted by UBA America, the bank’s U.S. subsidiary. This roundtable will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss critical issues related to Africa’s economic development. The discussions will focus on identifying investment opportunities, addressing structural barriers to growth, and fostering partnerships that align with Africa’s long-term development goals.
The BCIU Roundtable is expected to attract a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from multinational corporations, development finance institutions, and government agencies. By facilitating these conversations, UBA aims to create a platform for actionable commitments that translate into tangible investments in African markets. The roundtable will also highlight UBA’s role as a bridge between Africa and the global business community, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to facilitate cross-border partnerships.
Another highlight of UBA’s UNGA agenda is the annual UBA Reception, a flagship event that has become a hallmark of the bank’s engagement with global leaders. This high-profile gathering will convene heads of state, senior government officials, business executives, and thought leaders for critical dialogues on investment and development in Africa. The reception provides a unique opportunity for UBA to showcase its achievements, share its vision for Africa’s future, and forge strategic alliances with key stakeholders.
The UBA Reception is more than a networking event; it is a platform for shaping the global discourse on Africa’s development. By bringing together influential voices from diverse sectors, UBA aims to foster a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the continent. The discussions at the reception will cover a wide range of topics, including trade liberalization, infrastructure financing, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Through these conversations, UBA seeks to catalyze commitments that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.
Leadership Perspectives: Tony Elumelu and Oliver Alawuba
UBA’s participation in the 80th UNGA is driven by the visionary leadership of its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba. Both leaders have emphasized the strategic importance of the UNGA as a platform for advancing Africa’s interests and showcasing the continent’s potential.
Tony Elumelu, a renowned philanthropist and advocate for African entrepreneurship, has been a vocal champion of private sector-led development. In his remarks about UBA’s UNGA activities, Elumelu underscored the transformative potential of the bank’s initiatives. “Over the past few years, UBA has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent,” he said. “These conversations are fundamentally different from previous discussions because they will be followed by feasible and actionable decisions. UBA will actively work to implement these outcomes for the benefit of the continent, as committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability.”
Elumelu’s vision for Africa is rooted in his philosophy of Africapitalism, which emphasizes the role of the private sector in driving economic growth and social progress. Through UBA’s participation in the UNGA, Elumelu aims to position the bank as a catalyst for this vision, leveraging its resources and influence to mobilize capital, foster innovation, and create opportunities for African businesses and communities.
Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director, echoed Elumelu’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for private sector organizations to take a proactive role in Africa’s development. “The UNGA provides a unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s potential and demonstrate our commitment to the continent’s growth,” Alawuba said. “The launch of our whitepaper is a testament to UBA’s dedication to driving sustainable development through concrete action and proven capabilities. We call on other private organizations to join us in this mission, as collaboration is key to unlocking Africa’s potential.”
Alawuba’s remarks highlight UBA’s role as a trailblazer in the African financial sector. With a presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA has established itself as a global player with deep roots in Africa. The bank’s ability to operate across diverse markets and navigate complex regulatory environments positions it as a trusted partner for governments, businesses, and international organizations seeking to engage with Africa.
UBA’s Role in Africa’s Economic Transformation
United Bank for Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in unlocking Africa’s economic potential. As one of the largest employers in the African financial sector, with a workforce of 25,000 and a customer base of over 45 million globally, UBA has a significant footprint that spans retail, commercial, and institutional banking. The bank’s operations in 20 African countries, coupled with its presence in key global financial hubs, enable it to facilitate cross-border trade, investment, and financial inclusion on an unprecedented scale.
UBA’s commitment to financial inclusion is particularly noteworthy. The bank has been a pioneer in leveraging technology to expand access to financial services, particularly for underserved populations. Through initiatives such as mobile banking, digital wallets, and microfinance programs, UBA has empowered millions of Africans to participate in the formal economy. These efforts align with the broader goals of the UNGA, which include promoting sustainable development and reducing inequality.
In addition to its technological innovations, UBA has been a leader in implementing cutting-edge solutions to address emerging challenges. For example, the bank has invested heavily in cybersecurity to protect its customers in an increasingly digital world. It has also prioritized sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations. These efforts position UBA as a forward-thinking institution that is well-equipped to address the complex challenges facing Africa in the 21st century.
The Broader Context: Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
The 80th UNGA comes at a critical juncture for Africa. The continent is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and regional integration efforts. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, more than half of whom are under the age of 25, Africa boasts a youthful and dynamic workforce that is eager to contribute to global markets. At the same time, initiatives like the AfCFTA are creating new opportunities for trade and investment, positioning Africa as a hub for economic activity.
However, significant challenges remain. Infrastructure deficits, limited access to capital, and political instability continue to hinder Africa’s progress. Addressing these challenges requires bold leadership, innovative solutions, and strategic partnerships. UBA’s participation in the UNGA reflects its commitment to tackling these issues head-on, leveraging its expertise and resources to drive meaningful change.
The UNGA itself is a unique platform for addressing global challenges. As the largest and most official gathering of world leaders, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to shape the global agenda. For Africa, the UNGA represents a chance to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize the continent’s needs and aspirations. By taking center stage at this year’s assembly, UBA is not only amplifying Africa’s voice but also demonstrating the critical role that African institutions can play in shaping the global economic order.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Action
UBA’s activities at the 80th UNGA are a testament to the bank’s belief in the power of collaboration. By bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and private sector players, UBA is fostering a shared commitment to Africa’s development. The whitepaper, roundtable, and reception are all designed to catalyze action, moving beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes.
For UBA, the UNGA is not just an event but a catalyst for long-term change. The bank’s leadership is acutely aware that the success of its initiatives depends on sustained engagement and follow-through. To this end, UBA has committed to actively implementing the outcomes of its UNGA activities, working with partners to translate discussions into concrete investments and projects.
The broader implications of UBA’s efforts extend beyond the financial sector. By championing Africa’s potential, UBA is contributing to a new narrative about the continent—one that emphasizes resilience, innovation, and opportunity. This narrative has the power to reshape global perceptions of Africa, attracting new investments and fostering partnerships that benefit both the continent and the world.
Conclusion
As the 80th United Nations General Assembly approaches, United Bank for Africa is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage. Through its groundbreaking whitepaper, strategic roundtables, and high-profile reception, UBA is not only showcasing Africa’s economic potential but also leading the charge to unlock it. Under the visionary leadership of Tony Elumelu and Oliver Alawuba, UBA is redefining the role of African institutions in the global economy, positioning the continent as a critical driver of future prosperity.
With its extensive network, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development, UBA is well-positioned to shape the future of Africa. The bank’s participation in the 2025 UNGA marks a pivotal moment in its mission to drive economic growth, foster financial inclusion, and create opportunities for millions of Africans. As the world gathers in New York, all eyes will be on UBA as it champions Africa’s moment on the global stage.
