• Group expands Pan-African structure
United Capital Plc has launched its West African subsidiary, United Capital Asset Management West Africa Limited (UCAMWAL) with the unveiling of two CFA franc-denominated mutual funds.
The two funds-UCAMWAL Bond Fund and the UCAMWAL Diversified Fund will be available for intending customers across the eight member countries under the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
Speaking at the product launch in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade said the launch marked a significant step in the group’s strategic pan-African expansion, while signaling a beginning of the operations of the newly launched subsidiary.
READ ALSO: Last twin standing
According to him, the new mutual funds, denominated in CFA francs, represent a significant milestone in UCAMWAL’s mission to deliver sophisticated yet accessible wealth management solutions to investors throughout Francophone West Africa.
He explained that the products have been carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of both individual and institutional investors, offering tailored support to long-term wealth creation while addressing varying risk appetites.
“This product launch signals the kick-off of the expansion of our pan-African footprint, starting with the WAEMU region. As a group, our mission is to shape a more financially inclusive and economically resilient Africa, for Africa by Africans. We are here to make a difference, and we are bringing our proven support cross-border investment, and support Africa-driven prosperity. This is the beginning of a legacy, for wealth creation, financial empowerment, and a new chapter in Africa’s story of innovation, and enduring success,” Ashade said.
Director, Africa Operations, United Capital Plc, Mr. Ejikeme Okoli, explained that UCAMWAL Bond Fund is a low-risk, open-ended fund that focuses on fixed income and money market instruments, making it ideal for steady capital preservation and long-term wealth building.
He noted that the fund is particularly suited for conservative investors who prioritize capital preservation while seeking steady, consistent returns.
He added that the UCAMWAL Diversified Fund provides investors with a balanced risk approach through strategic allocation across multiple asset classes by investing across fixed income assets, money market instruments, and equities.
He said the diversified fund was targeted at investors seeking a balance of capital appreciation and income diversification over the long term.
“Our expansion into WAEMU is about more than presence, it’s about impact. We’re building a truly Pan-African financial institution that partners with local economies to unlock long-term prosperity.
“Our strategy is not exploitative but collaborative and will harness local insights to create shared value. We aim to deliver tailored financial solutions, manage risk effectively, and drive inclusive growth across the region. I invite investors to join us on this journey of growth and empowerment, as we stay true to our promise of driving progress, delivering value, and powering economic improvement across Africa,” Ejikeme said.
Managing Director, United Capital Asset Management West Africa Limited (UCAMWAL), Labas Bamba, noted that the launch of the funds came at a critical time for the WAEMU region, as governments and the private sector increasingly seek innovative solutions to mobilize domestic savings and channel them into productive investments.
According to him, UCAMWAL’s entry into this market is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the region’s capital markets while providing investors with professionally managedalternatives to traditional savings instruments.
He said: “Today marks a pivotal step in our mission to reshape asset and wealth management in Francophone West Africa. These funds are tailored to meet the distinct needs of our investors, blending global standards with local market insight. We recognize that every investor’s journey is unique, which is why our solutions are built to support diverse goals across different life and business stages.
“Backed by a strong track record and trusted legacy of United Capital Plc, which manages nearly N2 trillion in assets and more than $500 million in mutual funds in Nigeria, UCAMWAL is positioned to become a leading investment partner for individuals, institutions, and governments across the WAEMU region”.
He explained that UCAMWAL would provide asset management services, including portfolio management, mutual funds, and financial advisory noting that the newly launched mutual funds – UCAMWAL Diversified Fund and UCAMWAL Bond Fund were approved by Financial Markets Authority of the West African Economic & Monetary Union (AMF-UMOA).
UCAMWAL, first fully operational subsidiary of United Capital in Francophone West Africa, headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The company is licensed to operate as a portfolio management company within the WAEMU region. UCAMWAL is licensed by the Financial Markets Authority of the West African Economic & Monetary Union (AMF-UMOA), enabling operations across eight WAEMU member countries.