November 19, (THEWILL) – The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) plans to assist Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in four sectors with the $6 billion facility from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. The sectors are agro-processing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, transport, and logistics.
Akinyemi who said that the decision was informed by its recent agreement with the AfCFTA Secretariat noted that the $6 billion financing would be provided to businesses that qualify across the continent for the next three years.
He said that the agreement was signed with the AfCFTA on the sidelines of the 30th Afreximbank Annual Meeting held in Accra, Ghana.
By this agreement, he explained that both parties will be able to “promote the development of SMEs operating in four sectors under the 1st phase of the partnership.
He said that the area of focus is mainly import-dependent on providing technical and financing solutions for intra-African/domestic alternatives.
Akinyemi added that one of the critical initiatives of the AfCFTA is geared towards improving access to finance and markets for SMEs. He said this would encourage the businesses’ growth and contribution to the socio-economic development of Africa.
According to him, UBA remains committed to supporting the development of businesses across Africa in line with its strategic focus on the SME segment. He added that the loan will help to develop the capacity for growth across the 20 African countries it operates.
Notably, this comes after UBA took over the assets of Stallion Nigeria Limited and its affiliates in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano. This followed a Federal High Court order in Lagos in an alleged N156 billion debt suit against the company.
