UBA Unlocks N5 Billion BOI MSME Fund to Empower Women and Drive Financial Inclusion
A Bold Step for Inclusive Growth
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced a transformative initiative designed to power Nigeria’s small business sector. The bank has secured a N5 billion loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BOI), a move that will provide affordable financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with special focus on women-owned businesses.
This milestone, anchored under the Federal Government’s MSME Fund, is set to unlock opportunities in four priority areas: Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises. The program is more than just financial support. It is a pathway to economic resilience and long-term sustainability for businesses that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Putting MSMEs at the Heart of Development
Speaking on the facility, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. He described MSMEs as the “lifeline of any developing economy,” emphasizing how UBA intends to deepen its impact by removing the financial barriers that have historically stifled small business growth.
According to him, the loan’s competitive nine percent interest rate and three-year tenor are deliberate features to ensure affordability. A three-month moratorium on principal repayment has also been included, giving businesses the breathing room to stabilize before repayment begins.
“Our message to entrepreneurs is clear,” Alawuba said. “Do not let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity elude you.”
Strategic Focus on Critical Sectors
UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, highlighted the strategic importance of the targeted sectors. For him, the initiative is not only about lending money but also about positioning Nigeria and Africa for sustainable progress.
“By targeting Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises, we are aligning with our broader mission of financial inclusion and empowerment,” Fashola explained. “This facility ensures businesses can access affordable funding, expand operations, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Driving Inclusion with Accessibility
The program has been deliberately structured to be business-friendly. UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, underscored this by pointing out the competitive terms and government backing. She also stressed that accessibility was a major priority during its design.
“What sets this fund apart is its affordability and the fact that it is tailored for real business needs. We have worked closely with stakeholders to reduce traditional hurdles, ensuring that women entrepreneurs and small businesses can take advantage of it,” Ladipo said. She encouraged business owners to visit any UBA branch or apply through the bank’s website.
UBA’s Commitment to Africa’s Growth Story
The initiative reaffirms UBA’s leadership role in Africa’s financial sector. With a presence in twenty African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the UAE, the bank continues to serve as a bridge between Africa and the world. UBA currently employs over 25,000 people and provides banking services to more than 45 million customers globally.
For UBA, empowering MSMEs is not only about financial returns. It is about advancing financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and equipping entrepreneurs especially women with the resources to build sustainable businesses.
A Defining Moment
The unveiling of the UBA N5 billion BOI MSME fund marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It represents hope for thousands of small business owners who have long struggled with access to affordable credit. More importantly, it signals UBA’s resolve to remain a bank for the people, a partner in progress, and a driver of inclusive growth across Africa.
