United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has called for a strategic shift in how Africa leverages its economic potential, urging stakeholders to transform opportunities into commercially viable and investable projects. Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s managing director and chief executive officer, made the appeal during the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium in New York, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking at a fireside chat titled “From Mandate to Impact,” Alawuba stressed that Africa’s development goals require more than identifying opportunities; they demand rigorous project preparation, credible institutions, and accountable execution to attract sustainable capital.
Alawuba emphasized that projects seeking long-term investment must be commercially sustainable and supported by institutions capable of delivering on commitments. “Africa’s opportunities deserve rigorous preparation and serious capital,” he stated, underscoring the importance of creating a pipeline of projects that transition from planning to implementation. He cited UBA’s financing activities across Africa as evidence of how commercial banks can drive development through lending, guarantees, and syndicated financing. In Chad, UBA funded a $6.56 million telecommunications modernization project initiated in 2021, which was completed in 2025 and fully repaid, according to Alawuba. He highlighted this as a model of how clear development needs, supported by proper structures and accountability, can lead to successful outcomes.
In Kenya, UBA provided a $45 million loan facility to Oak Asset SPV for road construction, with the bank also facilitating government collections and contractor services. Alawuba noted that this approach fosters a broader financial ecosystem around infrastructure, moving beyond isolated project financing. He also pointed to UBA’s digital banking platform, Leo, which serves over six million users across 20 African countries and processes 16 million transactions annually. The platform, available in multiple languages, supports financial inclusion and cross-border commerce as African economies integrate further.
Alawuba cited UBA’s interventions in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and Liberia, where the bank has provided direct lending, syndicated financing, and operational support. He argued that African financial institutions, due to their local market proximity, are uniquely positioned to identify viable opportunities and manage risks, while international partnerships remain critical for cross-border capital mobilization. “At UBA, Africa’s Global Bank, we believe African enterprise must lead the continent’s transformation, supported by strong institutions and global collaborations,” he said.
The UBA chief urged African governments, businesses, and investors to prioritize de-risking and preparing a pipeline of viable projects, particularly in energy, digital connectivity, and logistics. He also called for completing ongoing investments while advancing new initiatives. Alawuba’s remarks align with UBA’s broader mission to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap through structured financial solutions and digital innovation, positioning the bank as a key player in the continent’s economic evolution.
Alawuba’s speech underscored the interdependence of local expertise and global capital in driving Africa’s development. By focusing on project sustainability and institutional capacity, he argued, the continent can unlock its economic potential and attract the investment needed for long-term growth. His call to action reflects UBA’s role as a catalyst for transforming Africa’s ambitions into tangible, bankable outcomes.
The emphasis on structured project development comes amid growing recognition of Africa’s potential to become a global economic hub. With over 60% of the continent’s population under 25, the need for sustainable infrastructure and financial inclusion has never been more urgent. UBA’s initiatives, combined with collaborative efforts from governments and international partners, could play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future.
Alawuba’s vision highlights the importance of aligning financial strategies with Africa’s developmental priorities. By prioritizing projects that balance commercial viability with social impact, stakeholders can ensure that investments contribute to both economic growth and improved quality of life across the continent. This approach, he argued, is essential for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.
UBA’s efforts exemplify how financial institutions can act as both enablers and partners in Africa’s development journey. As the continent continues to navigate challenges and opportunities, the focus on structured, sustainable projects remains a critical pathway to achieving long-term prosperity.
Alawuba’s remarks at the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium reflect a broader call for collaboration and strategic planning. By leveraging local knowledge and global resources, Africa can transform its economic potential into measurable progress, ensuring that opportunities are not just identified but also realized through effective execution and investment.