November 11, (THEWILL) — United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the growth of businesses and Africa’s economic transformation, as it sponsors the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) for the seventh consecutive year.
Organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the 2025 edition of the fair runs from November 7 to 17, 2025, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos, attracting thousands of exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and investors from across Nigeria and beyond.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading pan-African financial institution providing banking services to more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as in the UK, USA, France, and the UAE. UBA offers a full range of financial solutions, including retail, commercial, corporate, and investment banking, alongside innovative digital products and services.
As a proud sponsor, UBA has set up a fully operational branch within the trade fair complex, offering customers and visitors convenient access to its wide range of financial services. Visitors who conduct transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and transfers at the UBA stand are also eligible to participate in a “Lucky Dip” draw, with premium prizes to be won throughout the 10-day event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Babatunde Ajayi, UBA’s Head of SME Banking, said the bank’s continuous sponsorship of the fair underscores its dedication to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) — a critical driver of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies.
“UBA’s partnership with the Lagos International Trade Fair goes beyond sponsorship; it is a commitment to building a platform where entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators can connect, grow, and scale their businesses,” Ajayi said. “We recognise SMEs as the backbone of our economy, and through initiatives like this, we continue to create access to finance, markets, and knowledge that enable them to compete globally.”
Ajayi added that UBA’s presence at the fair provides a unique opportunity for businesses to experience the bank’s tailored financial solutions for SMEs, including working capital financing, trade loans, digital payment solutions, and advisory support designed to enhance efficiency and profitability.
Also speaking at the event, Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, linked the bank’s support for the trade fair to its broader pan-African mission of driving sustainable development and economic integration across the continent.
“At UBA, we are focused on facilitating Africa’s transformation into a $4 trillion economy through trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” Ladipo said. “The Lagos International Trade Fair provides the perfect platform for us to demonstrate this commitment and to support the businesses that will power Africa’s growth story.”
She emphasised that as Africa’s global bank, UBA continues to provide cross-border financial services that enable seamless trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, helping local businesses expand into regional and international markets.
Throughout the duration of the fair, UBA’s branch at TBS serves as a hub for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporate visitors seeking financial partnerships and insights. The bank’s on-site representatives offer business advisory services, digital banking demonstrations, and onboarding for new customers.
UBA’s interactive presence also includes networking sessions, SME clinics, and a series of business development talks, allowing exhibitors and visitors to engage directly with UBA experts on topics ranging from export financing to digital trade.
Over the past seven years, UBA’s consistent sponsorship of the Lagos International Trade Fair has helped strengthen its relationship with Nigeria’s business community. The partnership with LCCI has contributed to expanding trade dialogue, facilitating investment connections, and promoting innovation in key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and agriculture.
With operations in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA serves over 45 million customers globally, providing retail, corporate, investment, and digital banking services through cutting-edge platforms.
Through initiatives like the Lagos International Trade Fair, UBA continues to position itself as a catalyst for enterprise growth and Africa’s economic advancement.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
