The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has restated its commitment to expanding its pan-African presence as it continues to grow beyond Nigerian borders. This came during the Group’s Half-Year Business Review meeting, which took place at its global headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
Led by Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, the meeting brought together top executives responsible for the bank’s operations across 24 countries. According to Mr. Alawuba, the review session provided a major opportunity to re-emphasise the bank’s focus on becoming Africa’s most global and diversified financial institution.
UBA, which began its pan-African expansion journey in 2004 when it entered the Ghanaian market, has now spread its operations to 20 countries in Africa. The bank also maintains presence in key global markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Plans are also in motion to begin operations in Saudi Arabia, as announced earlier in January this year.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Alawuba said that more than half of UBA Group’s total revenues now come from outside Nigeria. He noted that 51.7 percent of the Group’s income is now generated from other African markets. This, according to him, is a clear indication that the bank’s international strategy is yielding positive results.
Mr. Alawuba said, “UBA’s vision is clear – we are building a truly global institution anchored in Africa, but serving customers across continents. Our strategy puts us in a strong position to open new markets, support intra-African trade, and offer world-class banking experiences wherever our clients do business.”
He explained that the bank’s future growth will focus on deepening operations in existing African markets, while also tapping into new high-potential locations. The expansion into emerging and developed markets, according to him, is part of a deliberate plan to build a competitive financial institution that supports African businesses and connects them to global opportunities.
In Europe, UBA is currently upgrading its banking license in France to boost its ability to support cross-border trade, diaspora banking, and capital flows between Europe and Africa. The bank also maintains a presence in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it has operated for over 40 years. These international branches are helping the bank serve a growing number of customers involved in trade and investment between Africa and the world.
UBA’s strategic move into Saudi Arabia is also expected to position the bank in the Gulf region, with the aim of strengthening links between African businesses and Middle Eastern investors. The bank believes that by leveraging technology and its wide network, it can become a bridge for finance, trade, and investment flows.
The Group currently employs over 25,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in Africa’s banking sector. It also boasts of more than 45 million customers globally, who are served through a mix of physical branches and digital platforms. The bank provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services and continues to invest heavily in technology and financial inclusion.
UBA’s commitment to innovation and regional integration is also seen in its continued support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which the bank sees as a major platform for driving economic development across the continent.
With a pan-African strategy that includes growth, innovation, and customer focus, UBA Group is gradually positioning itself not just as a Nigerian success story, but as a major player in the global financial space.
