United Bank for Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s economic transformation and strengthening cross-border business opportunities following its participation at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The high-profile summit, themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together African presidents, European leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial institutions to discuss new pathways for sustainable development, industrial expansion, innovation, and stronger economic cooperation between Africa and global partners.
The event served as an important platform for conversations around Africa’s future, especially as countries across the continent continue to seek solutions for infrastructure development, digital transformation, youth empowerment, trade expansion, and industrial growth.
Speaking during the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a stronger and more balanced relationship between Africa and France, stressing that both regions must work together as equal partners focused on shared prosperity and innovation.
Macron explained that the future relationship between Africa and France should no longer revolve around dependency, but rather around strategic partnerships capable of creating economic opportunities, advancing technology, and encouraging long-term investments across sectors.
According to the French president, both regions have common economic goals and must deepen collaboration through innovation, investment, and partnerships that can strengthen economic independence and create sustainable prosperity for future generations.
Also speaking at the summit, Chairman of UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, highlighted entrepreneurship as the major force that can transform Africa’s economy and unlock the continent’s enormous potential.
Elumelu stressed that Africa’s growth story cannot continue to depend heavily on foreign aid but must instead be driven by private sector investments, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaborations capable of creating jobs and wealth across the continent
The business leader explained that Africa possesses the human capital, resources, and innovative capacity needed to compete globally if governments, financial institutions, and development partners work together to support businesses and entrepreneurs.
According to him, sustainable economic growth in Africa will largely depend on partnerships that encourage investments, improve infrastructure, strengthen intra-African trade, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and SMEs to thrive.
He further noted that collaboration between African governments and international investors remains essential for accelerating industrialisation and building stronger economies capable of competing globally.
UBA used the summit to reinforce its growing role as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions supporting trade, investment, and economic integration across the continent.
The bank noted that with operations in over 20 African countries, alongside international presence in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, it remains strategically positioned to connect African businesses with global markets while also helping international investors access opportunities within Africa.
UBA further explained that its digital banking platforms, trade finance solutions, and cross-border payment services have been designed to support entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large corporations seeking to expand their operations beyond local markets.
The bank also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative, noting that stronger regional trade and seamless financial systems are necessary for Africa to fully maximise its economic potential.
Stakeholders at the summit repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between governments, financial institutions, and private sector players to address key challenges slowing Africa’s development.
Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, unemployment, weak industrial capacity, and digital inequality were identified as areas requiring urgent investment and coordinated action.
UBA reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across Africa.
The bank maintained that it will continue expanding financial solutions that empower businesses, improve access to capital, and encourage economic activities capable of driving long-term prosperity across the continent.
As Africa continues to position itself as a major force in the global economy, discussions at the Nairobi summit reflected growing optimism about the continent’s future and the role strategic partnerships can play in unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
