By Editor
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc on Monday officially commenced full banking operations in Mali. UBA Mali brings to 20, the number of African countries, where the financial institution currently operates, including the United States, United Kingdom and France.
The launch of the bank’s Mali office was attended by the President of the Republic of Mali, Mr. Ibrahim Aboubacar Keita who gave an unprecedented speech at the opening ceremony. He said, ‘Tony promised it and he did it,’ referring to UBA Group’s Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu.
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, Tony Elumelu 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 at the launch, Elumelu, asserted UBA’s sustainability principles and philosophy when he 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.”
Also speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, expressed his enthusiasm on the Group’s operation in Mali. He said, “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.”
Corroborating with earlier speakers, Alhassane Sissoko, Chief Executive Officer, UBA Mali, told customers that the bank is optimistic on the competitiveness of its franchise in Mali with strong potentials for accelerated market share over the near to medium term. According to him, “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.
