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 the number of African countries where the bank currently operates to 20, with global operations in the United States, United Kingdom and France.
The launch of the bank’s latest addition in Mali was occasioned by the President of Mali, Ibrahim Keita, who gave an unprecedented speech at the opening ceremony.
“Tony promised it and he did it,” said Mr Keita, referring to UBA Group’s Chairman, 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.
In his response, Mr Elumelu said, “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.”
The Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, 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.”
CEO of UBA Mali, Alhassane Sissoko, told customers that the bank is optimistic about the competitiveness of its franchise in Mali with strong potentials for accelerated market share gain over the near to medium term.
