In a momentous celebration, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) hosted a high-profile cocktail reception in New York City, marking 40 years of UBA America and the 75th anniversary of the UBA Group.
The event took place on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, drawing an impressive roster of global leaders and influential figures from various sectors.
Themed “An Evening of Influence and Impact”, the gathering underscored Africa’s increasing prominence on the global stage and highlighted UBA’s pivotal role in driving financial inclusion across the continent and beyond. Spearheaded by Group Chairman Tony Elumelu, the evening emphasized the need to elevate Africa’s presence in the international arena while shaping the future of the continent.
The cocktail reception served as a networking hub for top-tier leaders, industry magnates, and policymakers, all converging to discuss Africa’s future.
Notable attendees included the Presidents of São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, Gabon, and Ghana, alongside Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Africa’s richest individual, Aliko Dangote, joined by political leaders like the Governors of Niger and Plateau States, also lent their presence to the occasion.
In addition to political heavyweights, the event attracted figures from entertainment and business, including Nollywood veteran Genevieve Nnaji, Ebony Life Group’s Mo Abudu, MTN Nigeria’s Ernest Ndukwe, and music superstar Davido, who kept guests entertained with his chart-topping hits.
The UBA leadership team, represented by Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba, CEO UBA Africa Biola Bawuah, CEO UBA International Sola Yomi Ajayi, and Corporate Communications Director Bola Atta, among others, engaged in key discussions focused on Africa’s economic growth, empowering youth entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable energy transitions.
Earlier at the UNGA, UBA engaged global leaders on the need to invest in Africa’s future and foster impactful change across the continent. The bank’s strategic discussions aimed to build partnerships, particularly with Caribbean nations, to provide economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs in both regions.
Elumelu also participated in the Clinton Global Initiative’s Executive Roundtable on climate action, discussing innovative solutions for achieving global climate goals. Additionally, he collaborated with the World Food Programme (WFP) to address the pressing issue of food insecurity, advocating for greater global efforts to combat hunger.
The event capped UBA’s significant participation at the UNGA, where the bank reinforced its commitment to Africa’s transformative economic growth, job creation, and an equitable energy transition that aligns with the continent’s unique needs.
As UBA continues to expand its influence globally, the reception in New York not only celebrated the bank’s remarkable milestones but also highlighted its role in shaping Africa’s future on the global stage.
