Top industry leaders and entrepreneurs have emphasized the importance of innovation, focus, and passion in building resilient and sustainable businesses. This was the key takeaway at the 2024 finale of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Business Series, held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre, UBA House, Marina, Lagos.
Themed “Profit with Purpose, Business Continuity,” the event brought together notable speakers, including Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder of Terra Kulture; Dr. James Asare-Adjei, CEO of Ghana-based Asadtek Group Limited; Frank Edoho, an award-winning TV personality; Toke Makinwa, a celebrated multimedia personality; and Princess Adeyinka Tekena, founder of Nigeria’s indigenous premium coffee brand, Happy Coffee.
Austen-Peters, who is also a lawyer and filmmaker, stressed the need for small and medium-sized businesses to define their purpose and build a robust framework. “Purpose drives your business. Without a clear structure, you risk being another street business. Establishing an organizational framework shows commitment and earns trust,” she said.
Dr. Asare-Adjei highlighted the importance of integrity and innovation, urging business owners to identify areas of excellence and consistently add value. “Leverage available markets and continuously seek to improve,” he advised.
Frank Edoho emphasized passion as a crucial driver of business growth. “Stay true to your vision, learn from others, and integrate those lessons to enhance your business,” he said.
Reflecting on her journey, Toke Makinwa attributed her success to focus and teamwork. “Maintaining a positive attitude and surrounding myself with supportive individuals have been winning strategies for me,” she shared.
Princess Adeyinka Tekena, a Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Grant beneficiary, recounted how the $5,000 grant she received in 2015 helped establish her coffee business. She credited determination, tenacity, and financial discipline for her decade-long success.
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, lauded the participants for sharing invaluable insights. She reiterated UBA’s dedication to supporting businesses, stating, “UBA is not just about banking. We are deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs to build thriving and sustainable businesses.”
The UBA Business Series is part of the bank’s ongoing capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping business owners with tools and strategies to navigate challenges and achieve success.
United Bank for Africa, a leader in financial inclusion and innovation, serves over 45 million customers globally across 20 African countries, the UK, US, France, and the UAE. With a workforce of 25,000, UBA continues to deliver retail, commercial, and institutional banking services while driving business growth across the continent and beyond.