UBA, China Development Bank to finance African SMEs with $100m

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and China Development Bank (CDB) have signed a letter of intent to provide $100 million seven-year to finance the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

The $100 million loan will improve UBA’s capacity to provide access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the 19 African countries where it currently operates.

“We are excited to partner with China Development Bank (CDB), the development financial institution of the Chinese government, on this historic transaction, as we strongly believe that the facility will serve as a catalyst to the sustainable development of commerce and industry in Africa through provision of critical financial interventions to SMEs across our presence countries,” Kennedy Uzoka, group managing director of the bank, said.

Uzoka said the line of credit is timely, as it should complement the recovery of economic activities. It will also further encourage African entrepreneurship particularly as the funds will be applied to SMEs, which are important for inclusive growth on the continent.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, chairman of UBA Plc, said CDB’s interest in supporting SMEs aligns with UBA’s vision in growing business across Africa.

“In UBA, CDB would have an enduring partner in reaching out to Africans as UBA provides banking services to over 14 million people across 20 African countries, and like CDB, UBA funds critical infrastructural projects on the continent,” Elumelu said.

Zheng Zhijie, president of CDB, said the agreement is the beginning of cooperation between UBA and CDB that would translate into an enduring business relationship between China and Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“UBA is a leading and dependable bank not only in Nigeria but Africa, and this partnership will help our Bank to accelerate its business objectives in Africa, more importantly as we deepen our investment in energy, road and rail constructions, infrastructure in Africa,” Zhije said.