UBA supports SME growth as it headlines the Lagos International Trade Fair, reaffirming its mission to empower African enterprises for global competitiveness

UBA supports SME growth as Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, headlines the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-scale businesses for global impact.

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Organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), this year’s trade fair—running from November 7 to 17, 2025, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos—has drawn thousands of exhibitors, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

In line with its customer-first philosophy, UBA has set up a dedicated, full-service branch within the trade fair grounds to provide seamless banking experiences for participants.

Customers who perform any transaction at the branch—such as deposits, withdrawals, or transfers—will be eligible for a special Lucky Dip draw offering attractive prizes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Babatunde Ajayi, UBA’s Head of SME Banking, described the partnership with the LCCI as a strategic pillar in the bank’s mission to mobilise capital and empower African enterprises.

“Our consistent support for the LITF and our broader initiatives around the AfCFTA are interconnected,” Ajayi said.

“They are two sides of the same coin, reflecting a deep commitment to building the financial ecosystem that empowers African businesses to trade seamlessly across borders.”

UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, positioned the bank’s participation within its broader vision for Africa’s economic transformation, referencing its recent white paper on achieving a $4 trillion African economy.

“The LITF represents a strategic platform through which UBA translates its ambitious economic goals into practical action,” Ladipo explained.

“Our roadmap to a $4 trillion African economy is being built through engagements like this—focused on growing SMEs for global impact and connecting businesses to new opportunities.”

She further noted that the bank’s focus on deep partnerships, digital innovation, and cross-border trade solutions will lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

With operations spanning 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA remains one of Africa’s largest employers, boasting 25,000 staff and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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The bank’s continued sponsorship of the Lagos International Trade Fair underscores its longstanding commitment to entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and Africa’s economic resilience.