UBA Executive Pushed for Deeper Nigeria-Brazil Trade
The bank is leveraging its multi-market reach to facilitate capital flows and commercial partnerships.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in International Trade
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United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba has called for intensified trade and investment ties between Nigeria and Brazil. The push follows a 2025 performance in which bilateral goods trade reached US$2.4 billion.
Why it matters
Operators in agriculture, energy, and technology face evolving cross-continental demand, necessitating institutional support to navigate regulatory and financial barriers in emerging markets. Deepening these commercial ties potentially expands market access for businesses operating within these key sectors.
Bilateral trade reached US$2.4 billion in 2025, supported by specialized initiatives like the US$1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme. UBA operates across 20 African nations plus the U.S., U.K., UAE, and France.
The players
United Bank for Africa
A pan-African financial services group with a footprint in 20 African countries and four international financial hubs.
Oliver Alawuba
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of United Bank for Africa with a track record of driving cross-continental institutional trade.
The details
UBA supports these international commercial corridors by utilizing its geographic footprint and local market knowledge to facilitate cross-border transactions. The strategy focuses on aligning financial service capabilities with broader regional interests in energy, agriculture, and technology, formalizing a partnership with the Embassy of Brazil that has existed since 2019.
Timeline
1960: Brazil sent representation to Nigeria's independence celebrations.
2019: The partnership between UBA and the Embassy of Brazil began.
2025: Bilateral trade in goods between the two nations totaled US$2.4 billion.
September 16, 2026: Oliver Alawuba addressed the Brazil National Day celebration in Abuja.
Market Landscape
The call for increased integration reflects a pivot toward formalizing economic ties between the two emerging economies, moving beyond historical cultural exchanges. It builds on the long-term diplomatic foundation established by the 1960 Brazilian representation at Nigeria's independence celebrations.
Operators in the agricultural and energy sectors should monitor the US$1.1 billion Green Imperative Agricultural Mechanization Programme for potential supply chain and financing opportunities. Review internal capacity for expansion into new emerging markets as bank-led trade corridors simplify cross-continental payments.
The takeaway
The expansion of institutional support for cross-continental trade suggests a maturing financial environment for businesses looking to export services or goods between Nigeria and Brazil. Closely track bank-led trade initiatives to identify potential partnerships that reduce the complexity of currency and customs compliance.
Further reading
For broader trends on cross-border fiscal policy and commerce, see International Trade.
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