UBA to host M.I Abaga, Chowdeck CEO, others at business series on innovation and African solutions

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced plans to host another edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to discuss how African businesses can leverage customer feedback to develop technology-driven solutions tailored to local realities.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (WAT), will focus on the theme: “Building for Africa’s Realities: Turning Consumer Feedback into Technology-Driven Solutions.”

According to the bank, the session will explore how businesses can transform insights from customers into innovative products and services that address the unique challenges and opportunities within African markets.

The event will be streamed live across UBA’s digital platforms, including its YouTube channel, enabling participants from across the continent and beyond to join the discussion virtually.

The speaker lineup includes renowned rapper and entrepreneur M.I Abaga, co-founder of Octerra Capital, Ashim Egunjobi, and Chowdeck co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Femi Aluko. The session will be moderated by media entrepreneur and founder, Adaora Mbelu.

The speakers are expected to share practical experiences on building successful businesses in Africa, understanding customer needs, creating scalable products and supporting innovation-driven enterprises in a rapidly changing marketplace.

UBA said the discussion would provide participants with valuable insights into how founders and investors can remain responsive to customer demands while developing solutions that resonate with African consumers.

Speaking ahead of the event, UBA’s Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering business growth across the continent.

According to her, successful African businesses are distinguished by their ability to listen to customers, adapt quickly and develop solutions that meet real market needs.

“The best African businesses are not guessing what their customers want; they are listening, adapting and building accordingly,” Ladipo said.

She added that the Business Series provides a platform for entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful conversations about innovation, technology, product development and sustainable growth.

“We want to make that discipline accessible to every entrepreneur and create a forum where honest conversations about business growth and technology can thrive. When businesses build with Africa’s realities in mind, the entire continent benefits,” she said.

Over the years, the UBA Business Series has evolved into a leading knowledge-sharing platform aimed at equipping entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders with the tools and insights needed to build resilient businesses and navigate an increasingly dynamic economic landscape.

UBA, which serves more than 45 million customers globally and employs over 25,000 people, operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates. The bank provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services while promoting financial inclusion through technology and innovation.