United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reiterated its commitment to partnering and providing support to elevate women in Nigeria and the African continent.
Speaking at the UBA Business Series International Women’s Day (IWD) edition, held at UBA’s head office in Lagos on Thursday, Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Group, noted that UBA, in recognition of the significance role women play in the growth and development of the African continent.
“We’re using the women’s month to make sure that we position ourselves as the partner for women. This is important to the growth and nurturing of our continent of Africa. As Africa’s global bank, we need to ensure that we have partners in forming a relationship with them,” she said.
She noted that the bank’s partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has given the the opportunity to offer $6 billion to SMEs across the continent in specific sectors such as agriculture, and manufacturing, among others.
“It’s important that we find ways in which we can help the financing of SMEs because, on our continent alone, SMEs are driving most of the GDP in the different countries across,” she said.
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She explained that the bank has products targeted to women entrepreneurs with reduced interest rates, having that this month, new offerings for women will be unveiled.
While telling her story, Chioma Ikokwu, Co-Founder and CEO of Good Hair Limited, emphasized the important role of partnerships and collaboration in growing businesses, noting that women should not compete but collaborate to be successful. She advised that women should give helping hands to other businesses as this comes back with rewards.
Onyeka Micheal-Ugwu, Founder, Hello Puppet, said people are their greatest assets, therefore advising women to be intentional about building people that are kind to them, as being good to people around would make businesses and lives easier.
Atilola Morounfolu, Founder, African Naturalists, while speaking on the importance of having a sound structure to guide the business, noted that women should start businesses with the right motives. “Don’t overthink, start small,” she said.
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