Business
UBA shines at 2024 ECOWAS Mining Forum in Cotonou, Benin with Elumelu’s Keynote.
The highly anticipated 4th edition of the ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum (ECOMOF 2024) has an important development: United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s Global Bank, has been revealed as the official sponsor. This prestigious event is slated to unfold at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, Benin, from February 22 to February 24, 2024.
The ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum serves as a pivotal gathering for key stakeholders and players in the mining and petroleum sectors within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). UBA, recognized as the financial institution of choice with a strong presence in 20 African countries and active engagement in major continental development projects, has emerged as the preferred partner for this event. This partnership underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth within the mining and petroleum industry in the sub-region and the broader spectrum of African economic development.
A highlight of the event will be the keynote address delivered by UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu. Renowned for his leadership as Chairman of Transcorp Group, which boasts extensive interests in energy and power sectors, Elumelu is set to address the theme: “Geo-extractive Resources and Technologies: What Pooling Strategies for Value Creation in West Africa.” This keynote speech is expected to shed light on UBA’s proactive efforts in supporting and nurturing the African continent through strategic investments in critical sectors such as mining and petroleum.
Under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin, and His Excellency Mr. Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the current President of ECOWAS, UBA Group will utilize the forum to reaffirm its dedication towards fostering economic and social progress across the continent.
The focal point of ECOMOF 2024 revolves around the imperative transformation of the mining and oil sectors into economic pillars by crafting attractive policies for investors. Such policies are deemed essential for facilitating the substantial contribution of these sectors to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of ECOWAS member states.
In addition to UBA Group, the Transnational Corporation Group (Transcorp Plc) – a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments in various sectors, including power and energy – will actively engage in the forum. Key officials from UBA Group and Transcorp Plc, including Abiola Bawuah, Chief Executive Officer UBA Africa; Ebele Ogbue, UBA’s Group Head, Corporate and Energy Bank; and Owen Omogiafo, President/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Group, will play pivotal roles in discussions and panels on the sidelines of the event.
Anticipated to draw over 2,000 participants from diverse sectors, including representatives from mining and oil industries, government officials, international and national investors, industry experts, ECOWAS delegates, and international organizations, ECOMOF 2024 promises to serve as a significant platform for fostering collaborative dialogue and nurturing partnerships.
United Bank for Africa stands out as one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, boasting a workforce of 25,000 employees group-wide and catering to over 35 million customers globally. With operations spanning across 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA is at the forefront of providing retail, commercial, and institutional banking services. The bank is a trailblazer in promoting financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology to enhance its service delivery.
As UBA takes the spotlight at the 2024 ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum, the stage is set for insightful discussions, impactful collaborations, and forward-thinking initiatives that are poised to shape the future of the mining and petroleum sectors in West Africa and beyond.
