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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banks

United Bank for Africa - Africa's Global Banking Leader

United Bank for Africa: Africa's Global Banking Powerhouse

United Bank for Africa - One of Africa's largest banking institutions

With 67+ years of banking history, United Bank for Africa (UBA) stands as one of the most recognized financial brands originating from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa's Banking Landscape: Top Financial Institutions

Pan-African Banking Leaders:

  • Standard Bank Group (South Africa)
  • Absa Group (South Africa)
  • FirstRand Bank (South Africa)
  • Nedbank (South Africa)
  • United Bank for Africa (Nigeria)

Nigeria's Banking Sector Leaders:

  • Access Bank
  • Zenith Bank
  • United Bank for Africa (UBA)
  • First Bank of Nigeria
  • Guaranty Trust Bank

UBA: A Legacy of African Banking Excellence

United Bank for Africa's journey began in 1948 with the British and French Bank Limited (BFB). Following Nigeria's independence, UBA was incorporated on February 23, 1961, to continue BFB's operations.

Historic Milestones:

  • 1970: First Nigerian bank listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange
  • 1984: First sub-Saharan bank in North America (New York office)
  • 2005: Merger with Standard Trust Bank created today's UBA
  • Leadership: Tony Elumelu serves as Chairman
United Bank for Africa's global banking services

Global Footprint: Banking Across Continents

United Bank for Africa operates in 20 African countries with additional presence in global financial centers:

Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Chad
CΓ΄te d'Ivoire
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mozambique
Nigeria
Republic of Congo
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
DR Congo
Uganda
Zambia

International Presence: United States (New York), United Kingdom (London), France (Paris)

United Bank for Africa's continental banking network

Comprehensive Financial Services

Consumer Banking
Corporate Banking
Investment Banking
Private Banking
Credit Cards
Mortgage Loans
Insurance Services
Asset Management
Modern banking services across Africa

African Financial Innovation

UBA represents African excellence in global finance, demonstrating how homegrown institutions can compete internationally while driving economic development across the continent.

United Bank for Africa continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to African economic development and financial inclusion.

πŸ’‘ African Solutions in Action

This is part of our African Solutions & Innovations Hub - showcasing how African institutions are leading global excellence.

Explore More African Solutions →

Continue Exploring African Solutions

Discover how Africa leverages its strategic advantages in Africa's Trump Card: Strategic Advantages in Global Politics.

Korea & Africa: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor’s Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions