United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced plans to expand its operations to over 100 countries and grow its customer base to over one billion within the next 75 years.
This ambitious vision was unveiled during UBA’s 75th anniversary gala dinner held in Abuja on Saturday. The event, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, top government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and other key stakeholders from across Africa, marked a major milestone in the bank’s history.
Dr. Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director and CEO of UBA, in his opening remarks, emphasized that the bank is focused on creating a future that is anchored on opportunity, inclusion, and transformation. He stated, “At UBA, we are building more than a bank; we are building a future for the next generation of Africans — one defined by opportunity, inclusion, and transformation.”
Dr. Alawuba highlighted UBA’s history, noting that the bank began operations in 1949 as the British and French Bank on Kakawa Street in Lagos Island. Since then, it has grown to operate in 20 African countries and four international financial hubs — New York, London, Paris, and Dubai — serving over 45 million customers.
Looking forward, Alawuba expressed optimism about the bank’s future, stating, “In the next 75 years, we envision a UBA with a presence in every African country and an expansion to over 100 countries worldwide. We aim to serve more than one billion customers, using cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, and trusted relationships to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.”
He also mentioned that UBA’s growth will play a vital role in Africa’s economic renaissance, aiming to shape and champion the continent’s transformation.
Mr. Tony Elumelu, the Group Chairman of UBA, also spoke at the event, expressing deep gratitude to customers, shareholders, and staff who have contributed to the bank’s success. He said, “This is a night of celebration, gratitude to God and to customers and shareholders who have made it possible.” Elumelu acknowledged that the bank’s current achievements rest on the solid foundations laid by previous generations, and he expressed confidence in UBA’s future growth, noting that it is closely linked to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
Elumelu further elaborated on the vision of expanding across Africa, suggesting that the plan to cover every African country could be achieved within a shorter period. He noted that UBA, already present in 20 African countries, could expand across the continent within the next 7.5 years.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Guest of Honour at the event, commended UBA for its resilience and transformation over the years. He described the bank as a leader in innovation and emerging markets, saying, “Seventy-five years is not something you pick up at a supermarket. It is earned — through risks and calculations, through storms and sunshine, through mergers and acquisitions, and through the brainpower and courage of those who believe in its promise of a new world. That is what leadership means.”
Shettima praised UBA for its ability to remain vibrant across generations, calling the bank’s leadership forward-thinking and adaptable. He also hailed Tony Elumelu as a “dream-maker,” recognizing him for bridging generational gaps and redefining leadership in Africa. Shettima said, “Tony Elumelu is not a dreamer. Dreamers are those stuck in a bubble. Mr. Elumelu is a dream-maker. He has made true the imagination of those who wish for an empire from the comfort of their homes.”
The announcement of UBA’s 75-year vision reflects the bank’s ambitious growth plans and its commitment to driving financial inclusion and economic transformation across Africa and beyond.
