Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has once again reiterated its unwavering commitment to increasing its investment in cutting edge technology and training to support the growth of Small and medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and across Africa, which will in turn help them contribute meaningfully to their economies and the continent as a whole.

The bank made this pledge on Monday during the 38^th Lagos International Trade Fair at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. 

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who addressed participants at the event, said, “The bank’s investment in cutting edge technology is currently yielding tangible business value, and this high level commitment has proven to be instrumental in delivering enhanced customer experiences and optimising operational efficiency, all of which continues to yield positive outcomes from all areas of our business.”

This feat, Fashola noted, continues to engender their growth and success stories, as well as reinforce the bank’s passion and commitment to supporting SMEs at every step of their journey.

“It is for this reason that we are constantly evolving, with innovation and are very intentional in our investment in cutting edge technology, dedicated to putting the power to succeed in the hands of our customers as it concerns our wide range of products”. 

He added, “To this end, it is safe to say that we are relentless in advancing the growth of SMEs, and that is why we want to further equip them with what they need to achieve even more by introducing the UBA SME Card—a bespoke financial solution designed specifically for SMEs. This card is primarily dedicated to empowering business owners by providing seamless access to financing, efficient expense management, and exclusive benefits tailored to help streamline operations. With the UBA SME Card, we aim to equip our entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Since 2019, UBA has consistently maintained its headline sponsorship of the trade fair, which has grown to become the largest trade show in sub-Saharan Africa, drawing over 1,600 global companies and providing a crucial platform for business networking and international trade opportunities.

Fashola also emphasised UBA’s impressive footprint across over 20 African nations and its strategic partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“With our presence in 20 African countries, where we have consistently driven rapid growth for the continent, UBA is dedicated to fostering intra-African trade, as seen in our partnership with AfCFTA, recognising its critical importance for sustainable economic growth on the continent,” he said.

“By facilitating cross-border trade and investment, we are not only helping businesses expand their reach but also contributing to the overall economic integration of Africa,” Fashola explained.

Head of SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi, UBA, also underscored the critical need for comprehensive SME support, highlighting UBA’s strategic approach to providing enhanced capital access and targeted financing solutions that address financing disparities for small businesses, as well as women and youth entrepreneurs.

“Our support for the Lagos International Trade Fair is beyond the acquisition of customers; it’s more about providing value to them,” Ajayi said.

“We have partners across Africa, and as such, we can bring value to them and use this opportunity to showcase our products. For instance, we are partnering with AfCFTA and Afreximbank to showcase our PAPPS product, which allows our customers across Africa to transact seamlessly.”