United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation, trade facilitation and global partnerships at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The summit, themed “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together heads of state, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from Africa and Europe to discuss economic growth, industrialisation and cross-border cooperation.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke at the event, called for stronger cooperation between Africa and France through innovation and investment.
“Africa and France are equal partners with common objectives. We must build strategic autonomy through innovation, investment, and partnership,” Macron said.
Chairman of UBA Group Tony Elumelu said entrepreneurship and private sector-led development remain important to Africa’s economic growth.
“Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by entrepreneurship, investment, and bold partnerships,” Elumelu said.
He added that cooperation among governments, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector would help unlock investment, support entrepreneurs, improve infrastructure and expand trade across the continent.
According to the bank, the summit also allowed UBA to strengthen its position as a financial institution supporting trade, investment and economic integration in Africa.
UBA said it operates in 20 African countries and also has a presence in the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The bank stated that its banking services, trade finance solutions, cross-border payment systems and digital platforms are designed to support businesses, small and medium-scale enterprises and entrepreneurs expanding across borders, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
UBA also called for stronger collaboration between African and international institutions to support industrialisation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and digital transformation across the continent.
The bank said it remains focused on supporting entrepreneurs, promoting intra-African trade and building financial systems that support growth and innovation.
