UBA launches global diaspora banking and investment platform

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched an innovative diaspora banking and investment platform aimed at transforming how Africans living and working worldwide engage financially with the continent.

Unveiled at UBA’s global headquarters in Lagos under the theme “Beyond Banking: Powering the Global African Lifestyle,” the platform shifts focus from traditional remittances to a holistic ecosystem supporting wealth creation, protection, and long-term prosperity.

Developed in collaboration with key partners—including United Capital, Africa Prudential, UBA Pensions, Afriland Properties, Heirs Insurance Group, and Avon Healthcare Limited—the initiative integrates services across banking and payments, investments and securities, asset management, insurance, pensions, and real estate.

Diaspora customers can now access these solutions through a single, trusted digital platform, enabling seamless cross-border management of finances and family commitments.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Head of Diaspora Banking, Anant Rao, described the launch as a pivotal evolution in Africa’s relationship with its global citizens. “For decades, Africa’s engagement with its diaspora has focused largely on remittances. Today, we are moving beyond that.

This platform represents a transition from simple money transfers to a financial ecosystem where Africans globally can bank, make payments, invest, protect their families, and build long-term wealth seamlessly,” Rao said.

He highlighted the scale of diaspora capital, noting that annual remittance inflows to Africa exceed $100 billion, serving as one of the continent’s most resilient funding sources. “Diaspora capital is not just a flow of funds — it is a strategic growth partner for Africa. Our role is to provide a trusted platform that converts capital into structured investment and shared prosperity across the continent,” he added.

UBA Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, emphasized the platform’s role in supporting the modern, mobile African. “The modern African is a global citizen — ambitious and deeply connected to home. This ensures Africans everywhere can remain economically linked to the continent with confidence and transparency.”

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Partners reinforced the platform’s value: United Capital presented globally accessible investment products; Afriland Properties offered structured real estate pathways; Heirs Insurance and Avon Healthcare provided protection and healthcare solutions; while Africa Prudential and UBA Pensions highlighted digital asset management and pension options tailored for diaspora participation in African markets.

Rao tied the initiative to UBA’s guiding philosophy of Africapitalism, championed by Founder and Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, which positions the private sector as a driver of sustainable development through investments that deliver economic returns and social impact.

As Africa emerges as a global growth frontier, UBA views mobilizing diaspora resources through credible infrastructure as essential.

“Africa will increasingly be financed by Africans themselves, including Africans abroad,” Rao concluded. “When Africa’s global citizens invest back into Africa, growth becomes inevitable.”