—lRe-echoes Call for Greater African Investment in Africa
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Tuesday, May 19, received in audience the Group Managing Director-GMD/Group Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, and other senior officials of the Bank during a courtesy visit at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.
The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room of the Executive Mansion, focused on strengthening collaboration and fostering partnerships that promote national development, economic growth, and empowerment opportunities for Liberians. Members of the President’s Senior Management Team also attended the meeting.
President Boakai emphasized the need for African institutions and businesses to invest more meaningfully in the continent by harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources for the benefit of its people.
“Years ago, foreign powers came to Africa and took away Africans. Today, they are returning to take away Africa through the exploitation of our resources. As Africans, we must take responsibility to develop our own resources and build our continent,” President Boakai stated.
The Liberian Leader further encouraged UBA to expand its contributions beyond banking and marketing by investing in education, strengthening community relations, and supporting youth empowerment initiatives that will positively impact the lives of citizens and contribute to sustainable national development.
President Boakai also noted that his Administration remains committed to improving infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of all Liberians, stressing that his leadership is centered on achieving collective national progress.
For his part, Mr. Oliver Alawuba commended the Government of Liberia for creating an enabling environment for banking and corporate institutions to thrive.
He disclosed that UBA is expanding its branch network across Liberia to increase financial inclusion by opening additional three branches including a new head office and encourage broader participation in the country’s economic activities.
Mr. Alawuba further noted that UBA has operated in Liberia for nearly sixteen years and remains committed to supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives including the pledge to revamp the maternity wall of JFK Hospital, as well as assisting small and medium enterprises especially women led initiatives to help stimulate economic growth and development.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their interest in strengthening collaboration aimed at advancing Liberia’s economic transformation, promoting private sector growth, and creating greater opportunities for the Liberian people.
