Tag: UBA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc’s commitment to customer satisfaction has been thoroughly tested, measured, and transformed into a real competitive edge. This transformation, which is being championed from the highest level, is driven by a leadership conviction that exceptional service is the definitive currency in modern-day banking. Its culture of quality service delivery has translated to great output  and sustaining market leadership for the Tier-1 lender, reports Assistant Editor, COLLINS NWEZE

For any bank to thrive in the competitive financial services sector, such lender must prioritise quality service delivery to its customers.

That explains why United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a leading Pan-African financial institution, is not only offering banking services to more than 45 million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries, but ensuring it provides the best services to the customers.

With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

For a Tier-1 bank, with over 75 years in operation, sustaining excellent customer services takes exceptional diligence and constantly redefining customer experiences with improved services delivery.

Like the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, will always say, this is a deliberate strategy. “In today’s competitive landscape, service is the key differentiator. Our vision is to transform every customer interaction, including the most challenging ones, into an opportunity to exceed expectations. This requires a fundamental ‘Can-Do’ mind-set that permeates the entire Group,” he says.

UBA’s dedicated Customer Experience Unit is one of the key drivers of the group’s vision of transforming customers’ requests and interactions into exceeded expectations. Acting as the operational engine for the bank’s ‘Customer 1st’ (C1st) philosophy, the unit as with other organs of the bank is laden with a mandate to embed the principles of integrity, efficiency, empathy, and personalisation across the entire institution.

UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, said the ‘Can-Do’ culture remains the driving force behind the bank’s C1st philosophy.

 “A philosophy remains merely an idea without the will to execute. Our ‘Can-Do’ culture provides that will. To us, it is about empowering every staff member with the authority and attitude to find solutions, own problems until resolution, and consistently go the extra mile.”

According to her, cultivating this culture requires a deliberate strategy to recognise and reinforce excellence which is achieved this through several initiatives such as recognising staff who go above and beyond to exceed customer-expectation.

“Recognition is a powerful driver and catalyst. By highlighting an employee who stayed late to assist an elderly customer, we simultaneously reward that ‘Can-Do’ attitude and provide a tangible example for others on what exceptional service entails,” she explained.

This focus on culture and recognition is positioning UBA as an employer of choice within the financial sector. The bank operates on a fundamental truth that transforming the customer experience is impossible without first empowering employees. By fostering a ‘Can-Do’ environment that celebrates initiative and provides tools for success, including dedicated knowledge-sharing sessions, UBA invests directly in its people.

This investment creates a virtuous cycle of engaging and empowering staff who are naturally inclined to deliver exceptional service, thereby transforming routine interactions into memorable experiences. Consequently, the bank’s internal culture serves as the most critical infrastructure for its customer service strategy.

The seamless implementation by all the departments working in tandem, brings the ‘Customer 1st’ philosophy to life. For instance, a retail customer in Kano with a card issue can have it resolved in a single call, just as a business owner in Abuja facing payroll challenges can receive immediate, effective guidance. This relentless focus on prompt and efficient resolution directly translates the bank’s commitment into tangible benefits for its customers.

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This institution-wide commitment to delivering a superior customer experience is yielding significant results. UBA’s strategic focus is reflected in its notable ascent in the 2024 KPMG West Africa Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey, where it ranked among the top five banks, claiming second place in SME Banking and third in Retail Banking.

Further validation came with four awards at the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassador Awards, including the esteemed Platinum Service Ambassador Award.

As the world marks Customer Service Week, UBA’s celebration reaffirms this proven model. The accolades are milestones, not a final destination and guided by a steadfast customer-first philosophy, the bank continues to build a legacy of reliability and innovation, one customer interaction at a time.

This journey is already progressing. “The next frontier is predictive service,” noted Alawuba. “We are investing in Artificial Intelligence to anticipate customer needs before they even make contact, evolving our ‘Can-Do’ culture from a reactive to a proactive force.

Customer service week 2025 celebrations

UBA recently flagged off its annual Customer Service Week for the year 2025, embracing the global theme “Mission: Possible” to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to making the impossible possible for its customers across Africa and beyond.

Every year, Customer Service Week celebrates the vital role of service excellence and customer engagement, and UBA joins the rest of the world to mark this all-important event, given its Customer 1st philosophy which states that the customer at the forefront of all its activities.

This year’s theme resonates deeply with the bank’s vision of turning challenges into possibilities, consistently going beyond expectations to deliver innovative solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Speaking on the launch, Alawuba, said that the bank prides itself as customer-centric, and does all it can to ensure the satisfaction of its customers across all touchpoints.

He said, “As Africa’s global bank, we understand the unique challenges our customers face across different markets. That is why we are constantly investing in technology, people, and processes that make banking easier, faster, and more rewarding. This week is not just about celebrating our customers, but about renewing our pledge to make the impossible possible for them, because at UBA, we remain committed to not just meeting expectations; but we are also committed to exceeding them.”

Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, noted that this year’s celebration marks a renewed commitment to deepening the bank’s focus on customer satisfaction and doing even more to deliver value at every touch point.

 “At UBA, our mission is clear: to make the seemingly impossible possible for our customers. Whether it is enabling cross-border transactions in real time, ensuring seamless digital access to banking, or supporting small businesses to scale against the odds, we are committed to delivering service that transforms lives. This week is a celebration of that mission, and of the customers who inspire us to raise the bar every day,” she noted.

UBA has a proven track record of turning “impossible missions” into success stories. From being the first Pan-African bank to introduce uninterrupted 24/7 multilingual contact centres, to pioneering innovative digital banking solutions like Leo, the first AI-powered virtual banker in Africa, and facilitating cross-continental remittances for millions of Africans in the diaspora, the bank continues to break barriers in customer service.

As part of this year’s celebration, the bank is rolling out a series of mission-driven initiatives that go beyond banking including business series for Small and Medium Scale business owners, opportunities for their kids and wards to participate in the ongoing National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, and other financial literacy programmes to equip them to navigate today’s economic realities.

Digitisation with PAPSS, LEO integration

For Alawuba, the integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its AI-powered chatbot, LEO is United Bank for Africa (UBA’s) way of uniting Africa and promoting trade in the continent.

With the milestone, UBA becomes the first financial institution to enable cross-border payments on a chatbot platform in Africa, enabling instant, seamless, and secure transactions in local currencies between African countries.

The UBA and PAPPS explained the journey which had culminated in the partnership meant to deepen intra-African trade, digitising and aiding seamless transactions across the continent.

Alawuba said: “For us, this is what UBA is all about – connectivity and easing transactions. With PAPSS now fully integrated on our LEO platform, we are not just simplifying payments – we are breaking down the barriers to economic collaboration across African markets and allowing Africans to be able to transact using their own local currencies. This is aligned with our vision of being at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation, and so, I say, Now, Africa trade begins!!!”

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, PAPPS, Mark Ogbalu III, lauded UBA for being an excellent partner with Afreximbank and PAPPS on their Pan-African journey towards enabling trade on the continent, explained that UBA was one of the first financial institutions to enter into PAPPS.

Ogbalu said: “Indeed, PAPPS has an excellent run with UBA, which extended from carrying out these transactions from their branches to digital platforms and channels such as LEO. By this, customers can send and receive funds within seconds. This of course has an accelerated impact on trade as there is now an interplay between convenience and seamless transacting.”

Sustaining soaring profitability

 UBA recorded N335 billion Profit After Tax (PAT) in its financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025.

The bank’s performance also shows N1.608 trillion gross earnings, representing 17.28 per cent from N1.371 trillion achieved in same period of last year.

Other performance indicators showed remarkable growth across its major business segments, driven by strong earnings.

The audited financials released to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), showed that the bank recorded significant growth in its gross earnings and profit after tax, signaling robust balance sheet expansion.

At the end of the first two quarters of the year, and despite the tough global macroeconomic climate in Nigeria and major countries in Africa where the bank operates.

Interest income also increased by 32.89 per cent from N1.003 trillion in June last year to N1.334 trillion, while total assets went up by 9.71 per cent to N33.3 trillion up from N30.3 trillion recorded in December 2024. Total Customer deposits, also leapt by 11.9 per cent in the same period to close at N27.6 trillion up from N24.6 trillion recorded at the end of 2024.

The results filed also showed that profit after tax which stood at N316.36 billion in June 2024, rose by 6.06 per cent to close the half year at N335.53 billion, while profit before tax dropped slightly from N401 billion to N388 billion in the period under consideration. However, the banks’ shareholders’ funds remained strong as it increased by 23 per cent from N3.41 trillion in December 2024, to N4.22 trillion in June 2025.

Alawuba, while commenting on the results underscored the bank’s commitment to consistently delivering long-term value to its shareholders.

He said: “UBA’s first half results highlight the strength of our business and the trust our customers continue to place in us. We delivered strong double-digit earnings growth across our markets, with Profit After Tax rising year-on-year to N335 billion, from N316 billion, underscoring the resilience of our business and the success of our strategy.”

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to reinforce its role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem with the launch of its landmark whitepaper.

The whitepaper, titled “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” will be unveiled on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in October 2025 in Washington, D.C., placing Africa’s economic agenda at the heart of global financial discussions.

The document presents a comprehensive and actionable framework for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, providing analysis of critical growth pillars including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth, while showcasing strategies for leveraging domestic capital alongside strategic global partnerships to access the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who emphasised the strategic importance of this whitepaper, explained that over the past few years, the bank has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent.

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“UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action. With this whitepaper, we are championing initiatives that convert strategic dialogue into bankable projects and direct investments. Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent and its people cannot be overemphasised,” Elumelu said. “We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth.”

UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, remarked on the white paper’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for private sector leadership.

“This whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of our capability,” Alawuba said. “It underlines our unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action. The document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.”

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to exceeding customer expectations through continuous investment in technology, people, and operational efficiency, as it celebrates its 2025 Customer Service Week under the global theme “Mission: Possible.”

The Pan-African bank said the annual event underscores its Customer 1st philosophy, a guiding principle that places customer experience at the centre of its operations and innovations.

Speaking at the launch of the celebration, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the bank’s approach to service is built on a clear understanding of the diverse challenges faced by its customers across African markets and beyond.

He said: “As Africa’s global bank, we understand the unique challenges our customers face across different markets. That is why we are constantly investing in technology, people, and processes that make banking easier, faster, and more rewarding.

“This week is not just about celebrating our customers, but about renewing our pledge to make the impossible possible for them, because at UBA, we remain committed to not just meeting expectations; but we are also committed to exceeding them.”

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Alawuba explained that the 2025 theme, “Mission: Possible,” aligns with the bank’s vision of transforming challenges into opportunities through innovation and strategic digital transformation.

Also speaking, the Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, noted that this year’s celebration reflects a renewed focus on deepening customer engagement and expanding access to value-driven services across all touchpoints.

 “At UBA, our mission is clear: to make the seemingly impossible possible for our customers. Whether it is enabling cross-border transactions in real time, ensuring seamless digital access to banking, or supporting small businesses to scale against the odds, we are committed to delivering service that transforms lives. This week is a celebration of that mission, and of the customers who inspire us to raise the bar every day,” she said.

According to the bank’s leadership, UBA’s innovation record speaks for itself. The bank, it added, was the first Pan-African financial institution to introduce a 24/7 multilingual contact centre, pioneer Africa’s first AI-powered virtual banker, Leo, and drive cross-continental remittances that connect millions of Africans in the diaspora with their home markets.

Beyond banking, the 2025 Customer Service Week will feature a series of mission-driven initiatives that highlight UBA’s commitment to community and economic development. These include business empowerment sessions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), financial literacy workshops, and participation opportunities in the UBA National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools — initiatives designed to build resilience and future readiness among customers and young Nigerians.

With a customer base of over 45 million across 20 African countries, and operations in New York, London, Paris, and Dubai, UBA, its leadership said, continues to position itself as a bridge between Africa and the global financial system, offering retail, commercial, and corporate banking, alongside innovative trade finance and cross-border payment solutions.

Alawuba emphasised that UBA’s success story is driven by its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver value beyond conventional banking.

 “At UBA, we are building a future where every challenge becomes an opportunity. Through innovation, resilience, and a relentless focus on customer needs, we are proving that great service is not just possible — it’s our mission,” he said.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched the fifth edition of its Supersavers Promo.

The promo was created to reinforce  the bank’s commitment towards deepening financial inclusion across Nigeria and empowering citizens to achieve their financial goals through disciplined savings.

The nine-month campaign, themed “Season of Progress’, was launched during a press conference which was held at the UBA House, Marina, Lagos, on Friday and is expected to run from September 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

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The promo is designed to reward both new and existing customers while encouraging a culture of savings that will enable families and individuals to plan for their children’s education, home ownership, business establishment, and other goals.

Speaking during the launch, UBA’s. Group Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, emphasised the importance of savings in nation-building, as he pointed out that the bank is a partner in development and is committed to ensuring that all citizens across the length and breadth of the country are financially covered.

Nweke said: “This campaign is aimed at deepening the savings’ culture among Nigerians. Savings empower families and individuals to take control of their future, whether by securing quality education for their children, acquiring homes, setting up sustainable businesses, or meeting pressing needs at different stages of life.

“To support these aspirations, UBA has developed a range of savings products designed to help people achieve both personal and collective goals while promoting financial inclusion. Through these products, more Nigerians are being integrated into the formal banking system, bridging economic gaps, breaking cycles of poverty, and building stronger communities”.

The Season of Progress promo encourages customers to open Bumper Accounts, which require only a minimum deposit of N5,000 to qualify for the monthly draws, with customers able to increase their chances by depositing in multiples. Other qualifying products include Individual Savings accounts, which require N10,000 monthly deposits for three consecutive months, and Kiddies Accounts, Teens Accounts, and NextGen Accounts for young adults.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who highlighted the bank’s five-year journey in incentivizing savings culture in Nigeria, noted that this promo is further testament to the bank’s commitment to reward its loyal customers

 “Last year, in commemoration of our 75th anniversary, we launched a special promo where we rewarded thousands of customers with approximately N150 million in prizes. This year’s Season of Progress promotion is even more ambitious in scope and reach which reflects our unwavering commitment to rewarding our loyal customers who have stood by us through the years, but also our strategic focus on attracting new savers to join the ever-growing UBA family.”  Shamsideen said.

He noted that a unique feature of this season’s promotion is the inclusion of dormant account holders, who simply need to fund their inactive accounts with N10,000 to qualify for special monthly N35,000 reactivation draws.

The comprehensive reward structure features quarterly star prizes of N1 million for 27 winners, with other quarterly prizes ranging from N500,000 to N10,000, monthly airtime rewards, targeted cluster draws, and special categories for NextGen, Kiddies, and Teens’ account holders, which ensure savers across all demographics stand a chance to benefit from the promo.

Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, reinforced that the promo extends beyond prize distribution, explaining that the core reasons UBA has been doing this for the last five years is financial inclusion.

“We still have significant ground to cover in empowering Nigerian citizens toward financial independence, and we see this promotion as one of the ways to empower Nigerians, improve their financial independence, and introduce them to the innovative, safe, and secure banking solutions that we at United Bank for Africa provide at the highest standard,” she explained.

The bank has introduced improved accessibility through a new digital onboarding platform, allowing customers to open accounts online in real-time without having to visit branches or meeting staff members, further democratizing access to banking services.

To ensure transparency and credibility, all draws will be conducted live with oversight from regulatory bodies, with the bank planning extensive nationwide activations in markets, campuses, and rural communities across all states of the federation.

For more information about the Supersavers Season 5 promo and to open qualifying accounts, customers can visit any UBA branch nationwide, use the new digital onboarding platform, or contact UBA customer service lines.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has secured a N5 billion loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BOI) to boost key sectors of the economy and support the growth of sustainable and viable businesses in the country, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women.

The facility disbursed through the Federal Government’s MSME Fund, is designed to stimulate key sectors of the economy, while offering affordable financing to support businesses, with a primary focus on Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises.

Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, who spoke about the facility emphasised the bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth by empowering MSMEs, which he described as the “livewire of any developing economy.

He said: “At UBA, we recognize the pivotal role MSMEs play in driving economic development, and how they make up a sizeable portion of what drives our economic growth. It is in this vein that we have decided not to rest on our oars by facilitating initiatives dedicated to empowering businesses with the financial support they need to thrive”.

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According to him, by offering loans at a competitive 9.0 per cent interest rate with a three-year tenor, the bank is removing the traditional barriers that hinder SME growth in Nigeria and Africa.

“And by this, our message to business owners is simple: Don’t let this once-in-a lifetime-opportunity elude you,” Alawuba said.

He explained that the facility provides a maximum loan amount of N5million per obligor, with a three-month moratorium on principal repayments, ensuring businesses have ample time to stabilise before they begin to service the loans.

UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who highlighted the strategic importance of the targeted sectors to the nation’s continued growth, noted that the initiative will strengthen financial inclusion and set the country and indeed the continent on the path of sustainable development.

He said: “We are structuring this facility to align with our broader mission of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. For us at UBA, we will be targeting Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises, which are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

“This facility is structured to ensure that businesses in these sectors can access affordable funding, expand their operations, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. We are excited to partner with BOI to make this a reality”.

Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, took time to highlight the competitive interest rate and government backing as well as urge business owners, especially women to take advantage of the initiative.

“What sets this program apart is its accessibility and affordability. We have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the terms are business-friendly because we understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. I urge eligible businesses to visit any UBA branch or the bank’s official website to begin their application process right away,” Ladipo said.

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has extended its generosity to the less privileged in Lagos through its charity outreach program.

The Foundation visited So-Said Charity Homes Community and SOS Children’s Village, in Lagos, where the elderly, children, and vulnerable members of society were presented with essential food items and other relief materials, including several bags of rice, beans, and other necessities, aimed at alleviating hardship and putting smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.

Speaking during the outreach, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to improving lives across Africa, noted that this initiative is one of the ways the Foundation gives back to its communities.

“At UBA Foundation, we believe in touching lives and giving back to the communities where we operate. The elderly and children are among the most vulnerable in society, and it is our responsibility to support them in any way we can. This outreach is a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development,” she said.

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The CEO, So-Said Charity Homes Community, Mrs. Felicia Martins, whose orphanage was among the beneficiaries of the outreach, expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s generous gesture.

“We are deeply thankful to the UBA Foundation for remembering us and putting smiles on the faces of our residents. These donations will go a long way in providing much-needed relief, especially in these challenging times,” she noted.

Similarly, Programme Director, SOS Children’s Village, Ayodeji Adelopo, lauded the Foundation’s efforts in supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, and sought more meaningful collaboration in future.

“UBA Foundation has consistently shown that it cares about the welfare of children. This donation will help ensure that the children under our care have access to nutritious meals and other essentials. We appreciate this act of kindness,” he stated.

The beneficiaries, including elderly residents and children, were full of joy as they received the donated items, with many expressing their appreciation for the Foundation’s thoughtfulness.

UBA Foundation’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bola Atta, reiterated the bank’s resolve to driving positive change through impactful initiatives.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to uplift communities through education, empowerment, environment and other programs. Our various outreaches demonstrate our commitment towards making a difference in the society,” she said.

The Foundation has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, with numerous initiatives across Africa aimed at empowering the underprivileged, from educational scholarships and initiatives to healthcare interventions and poverty alleviation programs

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, Environment, Economic Empowerment and Special Project.

The integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its AI-powered chatbot, LEO is United Bank for Africa (UBA’s) way of uniting Africa and promoting trade in the continent, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba has said.

He spoke yesterday during a press briefing announcing the platforms’ integration in Lagos.

He disclosed that with the milestone,  UBA becomes the first financial institution to enable cross-border payments on a chatbot platform in Africa, enabling instant, seamless, and secure transactions in local currencies between African countries.

During the programme, the UBA and PAPPS explained the journey which had culminated in the partnership meant to deepen intra-African trade, digitising and aiding seamless transactions across the continent.

Alawuba said; “For us, this is what UBA is all about – connectivity and easing transactions. With PAPSS now fully integrated on our LEO platform, we are not just simplifying payments – we are breaking down the barriers to economic collaboration across African markets and allowing Africans to be able to transact using their own local currencies.

This is aligned with our vision of being at the heart of Africa’s economic transformation, and so, I say, Now, Africa trade begins!!!.”

He emphasised that as the future of Africa, lies with the youth, UBA as a bank continues to seek ways to support the youth to grow the economy, adding that the integration of PAPPS on the LEO Platform is one of such ways.

 “LEO has been in the market for some time. It is the premier chatbot for banking in Africa, and it’s available on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and iMessage. Today, we’re proud to announce that Leo is now integrated with PAPSS. All you need to do is open a conversation with Leo, say “Hi,” and you’re ready to begin. Leo will guide you through making and receiving cross-border payments, Alawuba said.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, PAPPS, Mark Ogbalu III, lauded UBA for being an excellent partner with Afreximbank and PAPPS on their Pan-African journey towards enabling trade on the continent, explained that UBA was one of the first financial institutions to enter into PAPPS.

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Ogbalu said: “Indeed, PAPPS has an excellent run with UBA, which extended from carrying out these transactions from their branches to digital platforms and channels such as LEO. By this, customers can send and receive funds within seconds. This of course has an accelerated impact on trade as there is now an interplay between convenience and seamless transacting.”

He explained that previously, Africa intra-trade used to be very low and limited, but this product and service has come to address this and we are already seeing a lot of impact with this product.

UBA Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, explained that the innovation means UBA customers can now experience truly borderless banking on a platform they already trust.

 “The recent deployment of PAPSS on our LEO Chat-banking platform is a bold step in that direction. With this, UBA becomes the First Bank in Africa to power cross-border payments through a chatbot, reinforcing our digital leadership and setting a new benchmark in financial services across the continent,” he said.

According to him, early data already shows promising adoption, especially in the Ghana-Nigeria corridor, and the bank remains committed to deepening awareness and driving even more value for customers across our markets.

 “This collaboration is a transformational move that simplifies payments, empowers traders, supports families, and unlocks economic potential in line our goals,” he added.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is celebrating a decade of impactful digital transformation through its strategic partnership with leading fintech firm, VERiCASH.

The collaboration, which birthed the award-winning UBA Mobile App, has revolutionised digital banking across the continent – delivering seamless, secure, and user-friendly experiences to millions of customers.

To commemorate this significant milestone, UBA is launching a special promo for its mobile app users as a way of appreciating their loyalty and sustained engagement. The promo is designed to reward customers for their continued trust in UBA’s digital platforms and reaffirms the bank’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence.

With over 10 million downloads, the UBA Mobile Banking App ranks amongst the most downloaded apps in Nigeria, reinforcing the bank’s status as a digital trailblazer across the continent.

 Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke on the success of the partnership, highlighted the global standards of the app which has been instrumental in bridging financial gaps and aiding inclusion in over 20 countries.

 He said, “This partnership with VERiCASH has been instrumental in positioning UBA as Africa’s premier digital banking institution, which is indicated by the amount of downloads and transactions we have processed in the past years.

“We made banking accessible to the unbanked, enabling millions of Africans to participate in the formal financial system from the comfort of their homes which reflects our commitment to financial inclusion and our vision of becoming Africa’s global bank,” Fashola added.

Chairman, CIT VERiCASH, Ashraf Zaki, who expressed his organisation’s delight at partnering with UBA over the past 10 years explained that the collaboration  represents the pinnacle of possibility when innovative technology meets visionary banking leadership.

“Our collaboration with UBA over the past decade has been transformative, not just for both organizations, but for the entire African banking landscape. We’ve witnessed firsthand how UBA’s commitment to innovation, combined with our technological expertise, has created a digital banking experience that rivals the best in the world” Zaki said.

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Also speaking on the partnership, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, expressed immense gratitude to the customers who have used the app, and unveiled the Special UBA/VERiCASH Celebratory Promo.

“We are deeply grateful to our over 10 million app users who have been with us on this incredible journey. Your trust, feedback, and loyalty have been the driving force behind our continuous innovation and improvement” Ladipo said.

Continuing, she said, “To celebrate this milestone, we’re launching a promo where customers can win 10 times the airtime purchased. For 10 weeks, simply buy airtime via the UBA Mobile Banking App, and you could be one of 10 daily winners!.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.