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UBA Champions Youth Empowerment through Graduate Programme, Employs 398 Across Africa

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United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 young Africans were inducted into the UBA Tribe after a rigorous six-month hands-on-work and learning experience.

The event, which was held in a grand ceremony in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, the UBA management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class.

The granduads are from six African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Addressing the gathering, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who congratulated all the graduates, expressed profound pride and admiration for their success having completed the intense capacity-building programme, combining learning with on-the-job training experience, garnered while rotating across several departments and units in the bank.

Elumelu took time to highlight the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa, while bridging the unemployment gap, which according to him, remains one of the greatest challenges of the continent.

“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group, that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part. UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” Group Chairman said.

Continuing, he said, “At UBA, identifying these young ones, bringing them to the centre, training them, equipping them for the future and the task ahead, not just for a career in UBA, but wherever they end up remains our passion, because this is how we play our role as a Pan-African bank, in helping to empower the next generation, which is the African youth. We are helping to create employment and this for us is our driving force.”

Earlier in his speech, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduating class for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of UBA leaders.

“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family.

While recognizing the invaluable support extended by families and friends, the GMD said, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for their steadfast support as the invaluable support of your families and friends throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”

UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the bank remains committed to nurturing talent and leadership within the organisation. She noted that the GMAP programme, which marked its second graduation will be a continuous initiative, as it culminates an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries and across 4 continents.

With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France and more recently the United Arab Emirates, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.


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E-Financial

African Fintech Sector Grows, Enhancing Access to Finance

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A new European Investment Bank (EIB) research released yesterday shows the number of fintech companies in Africa has nearly tripled since 2020, boosting access to finance for people and businesses across the continent.

The report Finance in Africa 2024 highlights both developments in the African financial sector and constraints to the region’s economic progress.

According to the report, Africa’s fintech sector is prospering as digital finance grows at a faster rate than traditional banks.

The EIB report says the number of African companies offering new financial services increased from 450 in 2020 to 1,263 at the beginning of 2024.

“Fintech is revolutionising the way we think about finance in Africa,” says EIB vice-president Thomas Östros. “By leveraging technology, we can improve access to finance for millions and foster sustainable economic growth.”

The Finance in Africa report includes data from the ninth annual EIB Banking in Africa survey that details diverse challenges and confirms resilience of the African banking sector.

“While we see some signs of improvement, the high cost of finance remains a source of concern,” says EIB chief economist Debora Revoltella. “As we navigate the dual challenges of climate change and the digital transformation, the role of multilateral development bank lending is even more relevant in supporting sustainable growth on the continent.”


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CBN’s New Directive: Banks to Trade Foreign Currency Deposits

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has authorized banks to trade with foreign currency deposits made under its new amnesty initiative, the “Disclosure Scheme.”

This directive, intended to boost transparency and economic resilience, was issued on November 5 and signed by CBN officials John Sonojah and Adetona Adedeji.

The “Disclosure Scheme,” launched on October 31, offers individuals and businesses a nine-month window to deposit foreign currencies with amnesty assurances, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector.

According to CBN’s guidelines, banks—including commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks (CMNIBs)—can trade these foreign currency deposits, known as Internationally Tradable Foreign Currencies (ITFCs), unless participants choose to invest them directly.

However, banks must ensure the funds remain available to depositors upon request.

CBN outlined the role of banks in facilitating this scheme. Responsibilities include opening designated domiciliary accounts, issuing receipts within 24 hours of deposit, and maintaining confidentiality as per Nigerian data protection laws.

Additionally, banks are required to report all ITFC transactions and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws.

Participants in the scheme can convert foreign currency deposits to naira at the prevailing exchange rate without restrictions on withdrawals.

The scheme’s transparency measures, combined with the flexibility for participants to manage their foreign deposits, are designed to build confidence and encourage wider participation.


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9PSB Promotes Financial Literacy @ World’s Savings Day 2024

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9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), a leading digital payment service provider committed to advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria, observed World Savings Day 2024 by conducting a financial literacy and mentorship programme for students at Fountain Heights Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos.

This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive for all financial institutions to implement financial literacy programmes aimed at students, youth, and the public. The goal is to instill a culture of financial discipline, savings, and prudent money management practices among Nigerians.

At the event, Tolani Jemi-Alade, Chief of Business Planning, Operations, and Resources at 9PSB, addressed the students, underscoring the importance of cultivating positive financial habits, particularly considering economic uncertainties. She stressed the need for young individuals to integrate into the formal financial system, stating,

“We encourage every young person with a regular income to open a bank account as an essential step towards financial independence and savings for future needs. Money is necessary for day-to-day transactions and to manage unforeseen circumstances. Early planning is crucial, as these needs are inevitable.”

Tolani further highlighted the significance of World Savings Day, as championed by CBN, which aims to raise awareness of financial literacy and promote a culture of saving, particularly among students and youth. She emphasized the importance of understanding and leveraging formal financial services for long-term financial security.

Oladimeji Saka, Lead for Retail Banking and Customer Acquisition at 9PSB, echoed these sentiments, noting that financial literacy should begin at an early age. He advised that parents play an instrumental role in guiding their children through transitional stages to adulthood, equipping them with the necessary financial knowledge to manage their finances responsibly.

In his remarks, the Vice Principal Academics, Mr. Romanus Emegwakor, who represented the Principal of Fountain Heights Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to 9PSB for their commitment to empowering students with financial knowledge.

“We are extremely appreciative of 9PSB for this invaluable financial literacy programme. It is crucial for our students to understand the significance of financial discipline, and we believe this initiative will help them develop the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions in the future,” he said.

World Savings Day is an annual global campaign dedicated to educating individuals, particularly the youth, on the importance of prudent financial planning and saving through formal banking systems.


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