In a historic moment during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Group, signed a groundbreaking business cooperation agreement with French Finance Minister Antoine Armand. The signing, witnessed by President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, marks a strategic milestone for UBA’s expansion into France, underscoring the French government’s support for the bank’s operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tony Elumelu emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing seamless international banking services. It strengthens our ability to serve not only the 11 Francophone African countries where we are already present but also Africa as a whole, alongside French and European clients engaging with the continent. Expanding into France, with Paris as our EU hub, is a natural progression as we connect Africa and the world through innovative financial solutions.”
The move positions Paris as a vital part of UBA’s global network, joining other key financial hubs such as London, New York, and Dubai.
UBA Group, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, employs over 25,000 people and serves more than 45 million customers worldwide. With operations in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the UAE, UBA delivers retail, commercial, and institutional banking services. It is recognized for driving financial inclusion and leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform banking experiences.
This expansion into France highlights UBA’s commitment to strengthening economic ties between Africa and Europe, further establishing its position as a global leader in banking.