United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has unveiled an ambitious vision to expand its presence to over 100 countries worldwide in the next 75 years, deepening its role as a truly global African institution.
Looking ahead, UBA also plans to grow its customer base from over 45 million at present to more than one billion customers within the next 75 years.
The bank aims to achieve this by leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, trusted relationships, and collaborations to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.
The bank projects to accomplish more, driven by its unwavering Customer 1st philosophy, the vast and untapped potential across Africa, and the deeply held belief that UBA possesses the capacity, resilience, and responsibility to confront and overcome the continent’s most pressing challenges while unlocking sustainable opportunities for future generations.
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This vision was unveiled by Dr Oliver Alawuba, GMD/CEO of UBA Plc, over the weekend during his opening remarks at the UBA @ 75 anniversary gala dinner in Abuja.
Speaking during the celebration, themed “UBA @ 75 – A Legacy of Excellence… A Future of Impact,” Alawuba said, “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.
“In the next 75 years, we envision a UBA with a presence in every African country and an expansion to over 100 countries worldwide, deepening its role as a truly global African institution.
“In the next 75 years, UBA will serve more than one billion customers, leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, and trusted relationships and collaborations to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.
“In the next 75 years, UBA will be more than a part of Africa’s economic renaissance—it will shape its trajectory and champion its transformation.”
Alawuba highlighted that 75 years ago, UBA commenced operations in 1949 on Kakawa Street, Lagos Island, as the British and French Bank. Today, through the strength and resilience of its people and the unwavering trust of its customers, the bank operates in 20 African countries and four global financial centres—New York, London, Paris, and Dubai.
“We are serving over 45 million customers through 1,000 business offices and a diverse array of channels: more than 430,000 POS terminals, 2,600 ATMs, and 21 million cardholders, powered by a workforce of over 25,000 staff across our network,” he stated.
UBA has consistently recorded numerous achievements, delivering an impressive performance in the 2024 fiscal year, with gross earnings soaring by 53.6% to ₦3.19 trillion ($2.14 billion)—underscoring the bank’s strong earnings momentum.
Furthermore, total assets expanded by 46.8% to ₦30.32 trillion ($19.58 billion), and shareholders’ funds strengthened by 68.39% to ₦3.42 trillion ($2.21 billion)—reflecting UBA’s growing balance sheet and unwavering resilience.
The GMD/CEO said, “These milestones stand on the pillars of stability, resilience, and excellence—pillars that have anchored UBA’s growth over the last seven and a half decades.”
Earlier, Senator Kashim Shettima, vice president, extolled what he termed the staying power of the United Bank for Africa (UBA Group) over the past 75 years, describing the financial institution as a pacesetter in innovation, emerging markets, and generational ambition.
