The pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc on
Monday commenced full banking operations in Mali, extending its footprint
and fulfilling the aspiration of deepening banking penetration in Africa.
The launch of UBA Mali brings to 20, the number of African countries,
where the Group currently operates, with global operations in the United
States, United Kingdom and France.
The launch of the bank’s latest addition in Mali was occasioned by his
Excellency, the President of the Republic of Mali, Mr Ibrahim Aboubacar
Keita who gave an unprecedented speech at the opening ceremony. ‘Tony
promised it and he did it’, said the President, referring to UBA Group’s
Chairman, Mr Tony Elumelu on his promise made several years ago to bring
UBA to Mali.
The Malian president praised UBA Group for the vision to expand the bank’s
footprint to Mali. He commended the tenacity and commitment of UBA and its
Group Chairman to the development of the continent, calling African
financial institutions to follow the developmental philosophy of the bank
and its chairman in growing infrastructure, deepening financial
inclusion and being catalysts for eradicating poverty in Africa.
In his response as he welcomed the dignitaries and all stakeholders
present at the launch, Mr Elumelu, asserted UBA’s sustainability
principles and philosophy.
“UBA is Africa’s global bank, a leading pan-African brand, committed to
democratising banking on the continent. We are progressive partners for
African corporates, institutions and governments whilst also helping to
fulfil the financial aspirations of individual customers. Our train has
finally arrived in Mali. We are here for mutual progress; we are here for
shared prosperity”. Elumelu noted.
The Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, expressed his
enthusiasm on the Group’s operation in Mali, saying ‘We are in Mali to
offer world class financial services that will surpass the expectations of
our customers. I assure you that UBA is poised to deliver excellent
services to the entire population of Mali’ he posited.
The CEO, UBA Mali, Alhassane Sissoko told customers that the Bank is
optimistic on the competitiveness of its franchise in Mali with strong
potentials for accelerated market share gain over the near to medium term.
He re-assured private and public sector players of good things to come.
“The advent of UBA in Mali marks a turning point in the history of the
Malian banking sector with new opportunities for businesses and
individuals. We will always have in mind, the progress of our customers’
Sissoko said.
The event ended with President Keita wishing UBA well as he cut the ribbon
to open the doors to the newest Bank in Mali, ‘I wish UBA Mali a very good
banking life and that their entrance into Mali will expand our banking
sector even more’.
Also present at the launch were the Prime Minister of Mali, Mr Soumeilou
Boubeye Maiga; the Mayor of Bamako, Mr Adama Sangare; the Minister of
Economy and Finance, Dr Boubou Cisse; the Minister of Digital economy and
Communications, Mr. Harouna Touré and many other dignitaries.