By Francis Ajuonuma
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s global financial institution, has once again empowered entrepreneurs through its flagship UBA Business Series, offering critical insights into building sustainable partnerships for long-term business success.
Held at the UBA House in Lagos and streamed live across the continent, the event themed “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Businesses through Partnerships” drew a mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, and business professionals.
The quarterly series has become a hallmark of UBA’s commitment to nurturing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through practical knowledge-sharing platforms.
The panellists—fashion entrepreneur Mai Atafo, beauty business founder Dabota Lawson, real estate investor Wale Ayilara, and award-winning journalist and media producer Peace Hyde—shared real-world lessons on building enduring business partnerships rooted in value, shared vision, and strategic compatibility.
Dabota Lawson recounted her early missteps in chasing exposure over substance.
“I used to send products to influencers with millions of followers, thinking visibility would bring sales. But I learned quickly that value matters more. I shifted focus to partnering with labs, logistics firms, and beauty experts who aligned with my brand,” she explained.
Peace Hyde emphasized the importance of aligning partnerships with business goals rather than short-term financial gains.
“Don’t just look for money. Look for access, audience, and belief in your vision,” she said. “The right partnership can take you global.”
Wale Ayilara, who began his real estate journey while still in university, stressed the need for trust and calculated scaling.
“Real estate is essential but risky. I started by co-owning properties with friends. Do your research, start small, and grow wisely.”
Mai Atafo urged entrepreneurs to set clear boundaries and invest in knowledge.
“You must define your path early—whether it’s creativity or profitability. And always verify information; be inquisitive and research-focused.”
Welcoming the guests, Shamsideen Fashola, Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking at UBA, noted the importance of the Business Series in supporting business development across Africa.
“This platform is about equipping entrepreneurs with actionable insights to succeed in today’s fast-paced market,” he said. “It reinforces UBA’s drive toward financial inclusion and MSME support.”
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, appreciated the panellists for their candour and depth.
“What stands out is how relatable these insights are. It’s about translating ideas into action and consistently reminding oneself of those lessons,” she noted.
With operations in 20 African countries and offices in the UK, US, France, and the UAE, UBA remains one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
It employs over 25,000 people and serves more than 45 million customers globally, offering a full suite of retail, commercial, and institutional banking services backed by cutting-edge technology and a strong commitment to financial empowerment.
