csrreporters 
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), has launched a ₦5 billion loan facility aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs and strengthening Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to a statement by the bank, the fund—disbursed through the Federal Government’s MSME Fund—will provide affordable financing to businesses in Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises, ensuring critical sectors of the economy receive sustainable support.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth. “At UBA, we recognise the pivotal role MSMEs play in driving development. By offering loans at a competitive 9% interest rate with a three-year tenor, we are removing barriers that hinder SME growth in Nigeria and Africa,” he noted.
Each beneficiary will be eligible for up to ₦5 million, with a three-month moratorium on principal repayments to help businesses stabilise before repayment begins.
UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, stressed that the targeted sectors are key to the nation’s future. “This initiative aligns with our broader mission of financial inclusion and sustainable development,” he said.
The program, designed to advance women’s entrepreneurship, is expected to expand access to finance, stimulate innovation, and strengthen financial inclusion across the country. UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, urged women-led businesses to take advantage of the opportunity through any UBA branch or the bank’s official website.