UBA’s commitment to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa is evident in the increased funding it has provided to such businesses in Nigeria and across Africa over the years. 

The Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, reiterated this while delivering his keynote address at the flag-off of the 2022 Lagos International Trade Fair. UBA has been the lead sponsorship partner for the annual event since 2019.

Speaking on the theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”, Akinyemi stated that the Bank is focused on creating value, connecting and facilitating business across Africa and between Africa with the rest of the world. He further explained that already the bank had done a trade of about US$7.7bn and an export trade of about US$29.4bn as of August 2022.  Mr Akinyemi said, “It will also interest you all to know that we match our words with action as we have supported hundreds of SMEs in Africa, especially in countries where we have a presence. UBA does this not only in the manufacturing and services sectors but also in the creative industry and Fintech.”

Akinyemi who was speaking in the presence of dignitaries including the Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; past president, LCCI, (Dr.) Mrs Nike Akande; representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Okonkwo Etoabasi; past president, LCCI, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan amongst others. He also spoke on the pan African Payment Settlement System (PAPSS), a centralised payment and settlement system for intra-African trade in goods and services that are poised to transform the payment landscape across Africa.