United Capital Group opens West Africa office in Abidjan

United Capital Group, Nigeria’s premier investment banking and financial services institution, has officially launched United Capital Asset Management West Africa Limited (UCAMWAL) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a landmark step in its Pan-African expansion.

This move establishes United Capital as the first Nigerian investment management group licensed by the Financial Markets Authority of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (AMF-UMOA), enabling it to offer portfolio management, mutual funds, and financial advisory services across Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

The launch event, held at the new regional headquarters in Abidjan, drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Ibrahim Magassa, Chairman of Algest Consulting, and Yvon Sana Bangui, Governor of the Bank of Central African States. The Special Guest of Honour, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, hailed the milestone as “history in the making,” emphasizing United Capital’s role in leveraging African resources to drive economic development, prosperity, and job creation.

“This is a bold step toward empowering Africans and catalyzing growth across the continent,” Elumelu said in his goodwill message. “United Capital’s expansion into West Africa is a testament to its commitment to African excellence and building ecosystems that uplift communities.”

The event also introduced UCAMWAL’s leadership team, including Board Chairman Peter Ashade, Non-executive Directors Sunny Anene and Sarata Kone Thiam, Independent Board Director M. Mamadou Traoré, Director of African Operations Ejikeme Okoli, and Chief Executive Officer Labas Bamba. Speaking at the launch, Bamba underscored the strategic significance of choosing Abidjan as the regional hub.

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“Côte d’Ivoire’s vibrant economy and strategic position within the WAEMU region make it the ideal base to replicate United Capital’s proven Nigerian model,” Bamba said. “We are here to harness the potential of African markets and deliver transformative value across Francophone West Africa.”

Peter Ashade, Group CEO of United Capital Plc, articulated the broader vision: “This expansion is about creating lasting impact. We aim to partner with local economies, governments, and institutions to foster generational wealth and sustainable development. This is the beginning of a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and enduring success in Africa’s financial story.”

With its robust track record in Nigeria and a clear focus on regional integration, UCAMWAL is poised to become the leading investment partner for individuals, institutions, and governments in Francophone West Africa. The launch solidifies United Capital’s position as a Pan-African powerhouse, driving investment flows and shaping the future of finance across the continent.