There is a specific kind of energy that takes hold of the continent every March. It is not just about the global recognition of International Women’s Day. Rather, it is about the palpable shift in how African women are claiming their place on boards. This year, United Bank for Africa (UBA) is taking that conversation a step further. Through its latest UBA Business Series, the bank is moving beyond the standard rhetoric of “inclusion.” Instead, it is focusing on the “Evolved Woman”a generation that no longer asks for a seat but builds the entire table.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) is set to host a special edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, with a focus on highlighting the achievements and leadership of African women across industries.
The event, themed “Gen W – The Evolved Woman,” will bring together accomplished female professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discuss leadership, ambition, and the changing role of women in today’s global economy.
Platform to Celebrate Women’s Leadership
Scheduled for March 12, 2026, at UBA House in Lagos, the event will run from 11:00 a.m. and will also be streamed live across UBA’s digital platforms, allowing participants to join either physically or virtually.
According to the organisers, the special edition of the Business Series is designed to move conversations about women’s empowerment forward by highlighting a new generation of women who are not just seeking opportunities but actively creating them.
The discussions will examine how women are leading businesses, shaping industries, and redefining success in the modern professional environment.
Notable Speakers and Panelists
The event will feature an inspiring lineup of female leaders and entrepreneurs from different sectors. Confirmed speakers include:
- Joycee Awosika, entrepreneur and founder of the ORÍKÌ Group
- Tomike Adeoye, media personality and entrepreneur
- Olufunke Davies, founder of Fine Funky
- Ayo Mario-Ese, award-winning broadcaster
The panel conversation will be hosted by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who will moderate discussions on leadership journeys, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
Driving Conversations on Women’s Empowerment
Panellists are expected to share insights from their personal journeys, offering perspectives on building resilient businesses, navigating professional spaces, and embracing authenticity in leadership.
The session will also explore how women can continue to break barriers and expand opportunities in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking ahead of the event, Alero Ladipo, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting women’s contributions to economic growth across Africa.
She noted that the modern African woman is “bold, visionary, and intentional about the spaces she occupies,” adding that the event aims to create meaningful conversations around leadership and opportunity.
UBA Business Series and Knowledge Sharing
The UBA Business Series is a quarterly knowledge-sharing platform designed to equip entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders with insights and strategies for navigating today’s evolving business landscape.
Through the series, the bank provides practical guidance on building sustainable enterprises and fostering innovation within Africa’s business ecosystem.
With operations across 20 African countries and international offices in the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA serves more than 45 million customers globally and employs about 25,000 staff.
By dedicating this edition of the Business Series to women, the bank aims to further highlight the critical role female leaders play in driving innovation, economic growth, and social transformation across the continent.
