By Peterside Rejoice
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving business growth across Africa through its quarterly Business Series. The latest edition, held yesterday at the UBA House in Lagos and streamed live across the continent, focused on the theme “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Businesses through Partnerships.”
The event brought together a panel of successful entrepreneurs who shared valuable insights on how value alignment, a shared vision, and strategic compatibility are crucial to sustaining long-term business partnerships.
Speaking at the session, renowned fashion entrepreneur Mai Atafo advised business owners to set clear boundaries and conduct thorough research when choosing partners. “Define boundaries early. Choose your lane, whether it is artistry or profit, and research relentlessly. Inquisitive learning is everything,” Atafo stated.
Beauty entrepreneur Dabota Lawson reflected on her journey and emphasized the importance of moving beyond superficial exposure. “I used to focus on influencers with millions of followers, but I later realised that visibility doesn’t always mean sales. I shifted to building value-driven partnerships with labs, logistics firms, and professionals who align with my brand.”
For Peace Hyde, a journalist and media producer, selecting partners who align with one’s vision is paramount. “Partner with those who believe in your current vision, not just your future potential. Money isn’t everything distribution and audience access can be more valuable.”
Real estate mogul Wale Ayilara encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and collaborate with trusted peers. “I started by pooling resources with classmates to solve accommodation issues on campus. Today, real estate is a necessity, but you must start modestly, avoid scams, and scale deliberately.”
UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who welcomed guests, described the UBA Business Series as a platform to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with tools to thrive. “Our aim is to empower entrepreneurs with knowledge that can translate into real growth,” he said.
Group Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, Alero Ladipo, praised the session’s impact. “This isn’t just about excitement. It’s about retaining lessons, doing your research, and putting knowledge into action.”
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