United Bank for Africa (UBA), a leading financial institution in Africa, has officially announced the commencement of its full banking operations in France, marking a new chapter in its commitment to fostering trade and connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world.
The expansion into France represents a strategic step toward consolidating UBA’s global presence. Paris will serve as the hub of UBA’s operations within the European Union, joining London, New York, and Dubai as strategic locations in the bank’s global operational framework. Through this expansion, UBA strengthens its mission to bring Africa closer to the world with innovative financial solutions.
Last week, during Nigerian President His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, Tony Elumelu, UBA Group Chairman, signed a historic business cooperation agreement with French Finance Minister Antoine Armand.
The ceremony, held in the presence of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolizes the significant support of the French government for UBA’s establishment in the country.
Commenting on this partnership, Tony Elumelu stated:
“This expansion reinforces our commitment to providing seamless international banking services to our customers across the 11 Francophone African countries where we operate, throughout Africa, and to European and French clients with interests on the continent. Paris will play a key role in strengthening trade relations between Africa and Europe.”
UBA’s participation in this initiative underscores its role in promoting sustainable growth through strategic alliances and investments in infrastructure. This commitment is also reflected in the Group’s ongoing collaboration with global organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and the Red Cross, aligning with its mission to advance “Africapitalism” and shared prosperity.
During the state visit, Tony Elumelu also participated in high-level business forums, including the International Business Forum of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), which has been an important platform for promoting global partnerships. This event provided new opportunities to strengthen commercial ties between France and Africa.
President Emmanuel Macron, during the visit, expressed his special appreciation for UBA. He highlighted a memorable moment in his relationship with the bank: in 2018, he participated in a historic meeting with 1,000 young entrepreneurs of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in Lagos. Macron described the event as a powerful example of how politics and entrepreneurship can unite to drive economic and social transformation. The occasion symbolized the mutual commitment between France and UBA Group to fostering business growth and strengthening ties.
With over 25,000 employees and a customer base exceeding 45 million worldwide, UBA continues to lead the financial sector, operating in 20 African countries and key global markets. This expansion into France reflects the bank’s vision of reshaping global trade boundaries and establishing impactful partnerships that drive growth and financial inclusion.
