This quarter’s session, which is the second for 2025, will hold on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the UBA House, Marina, Lagos, and is part of the bank’s broader commitment towards business development and financial inclusion.

The UBA Business Series aims to equip small business owners and entrepreneurs with practical strategies to build resilient partnerships, unlock funding opportunities, and navigate the evolving business landscape.

With the theme, “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Business Partnerships for Progress,” this edition of the Business Series will bring together seasoned business leaders, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs who will share insights on how collaboration and strategic alliances can help MSMEs overcome growth barriers.

An exciting lineup of seasoned business owners including Beauty Entrepreneur, Dabota Lawson; Real Estate Mogul and Entrepreneur, Wale Ayilara; Fashion Entrepreneur, Mai Atafo, and Journalist and TV producer Peace Hyde, will be on ground to arm participants with the tools and network they need to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Banking: UBA Named Nigeria’s Strongest Brand, Access Bank Most Valuable in 2025

The session will be accessible both physically and virtually, allowing broader participation from the business community as interested participants can register ahead via the link.

Speaking ahead of the event, UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, highlighted the critical role of partnerships in today’s dynamic business environment. 

“In an increasingly interconnected world, the power of collaboration cannot be overstated. At UBA, we recognise that collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable business success.

“The ‘Stronger Together’ Business Series is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to forge meaningful alliances that drive progress, unlock opportunities, and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation,” Shamsideen said.

Also speaking, the Group Head, Corporate and Marketing Communications, Alero Ladipo, emphasised the UBA’s commitment to empowering the business community through knowledge sharing.

 “The quarterly series represents our dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering an ecosystem where businesses can thrive through strategic collaborations. Our speakers represent diverse industries and have successfully leveraged partnerships to scale their businesses, create jobs, and drive innovation.”

The UBA Business Series is a knowledge-sharing platform created by United Bank for Africa to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to grow and sustain their businesses.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

Delivered in collaboration with global tech giants Google and HP Inc., the programme aims to tackle the digital skills gap preventing African entrepreneurs from scaling in today’s fast-evolving market.

A New Chapter for African SMEs in the Digital Economy

Small businesses power nearly 80% of jobs across Africa, yet many remain excluded from the technological advancements reshaping global commerce.

Through Skills for Business, UpSkill Universe is providing actionable, locally relevant training that addresses the real challenges of operating and growing a business in the digital age.

“African entrepreneurs are already leading innovation across their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “But in a time of AI disruption and fast-changing customer behaviour, many SMEs need more than ambition—they need access to the tools, technologies, and know-how to scale. That’s what this programme is designed to deliver.”

Building on Success: A Practical Approach to Training

Following the proven impact of Google’s Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has trained over 15,000 SMEs across the continent since 2022, the Skills for Business programme expands on that foundation with:

• Hands-on digital training in AI productivity, e-commerce, and digital marketing
• Access to HP LIFE – HP Foundation’s free global business skills training platform, available online and offline
• Expert-led virtual workshops delivered by UpSkill Universe and Google
• A commitment to 50% participation from women-owned businesses

“These aren’t just online courses, they’re practical, empowering tools,” said a Lagos-based entrepreneur who benefitted from prior training. “They helped us rethink how we engage with customers and grow sustainably.”

HP LIFE & Google: Tools for the Future of Work

At the core of the programme lies HP LIFE, an online business skills platform offering over 30 free modules in multiple languages. Entrepreneurs will explore essential topics such as:

• Boosting productivity with AI
• Digital marketing fundamentals
• Launching and scaling e-commerce businesses

HP’s involvement reflects its broader vision to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030.

“When small businesses thrive, entire communities rise with them,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. “We’re proud to support this impactful programme, helping SMEs access the future of work.”

Google: Empowering Business Growth Through Digital Tools

As a driving force behind SME digital transformation in Africa, Google brings deep expertise in digital growth and brand strategy to the programme.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of progress across Africa,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B & Brand Marketing, Google SSA. “This partnership helps turn entrepreneurial ambition into tangible impact—building stronger communities, one business at a time.”

Impact Goals for 2025: Training 10,000 SMEs, Reaching Thousands More

By the end of 2025, the Skills for Business programme is projected to:

• Directly train 10,000 SMEs
• Indirectly impact over 59,000 individuals through community and employee engagement
• Expand inclusive access to AI, digital skills, and business development training across Nigeria and South Africa

This initiative represents a strategic alliance between UpSkill Universe, HP Inc., and Google to drive inclusive economic growth and empower Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

For more information or to register your business, visit here.

Investment in Project Development

Speaking at the Biennial FAAN Joint Trade Unions Conference 2025, Mrs. Kuku urged aviation stakeholders to prioritize investment in project development, ensuring bankability and investor confidence.

She stressed the importance of market studies, feasibility assessments, and strong business cases to attract funding and drive sectoral expansion.

Cargo Operations & Investor Confidence

Mrs. Kuku highlighted the critical role of cargo operations in the future of aviation, noting that data-driven studies are essential to secure investor trust. While FAAN has established the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, she emphasized the need for additional support and research to strengthen the sector.

Staff Welfare & Training Initiatives

Improved Working Conditions – FAAN has negotiated new conditions of service with union participation, set for submission to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Expanded Training Coverage – The agency is reassessing staff training and international travel budgets to ensure inclusivity.
Healthcare Access – FAAN is exploring partnerships to enhance medical facilities for employees.
Operational Upgrades – Plans are underway to procure operational vehicles and renovate staff quarters for better living conditions.

Airport Management & Performance Metrics

Mrs. Kuku emphasized the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure efficiency and accountability among airport managers and department heads.

Union Collaboration & Industry Strategy

Expressing gratitude to aviation unions NUATE, ATSSSAN, and ANAP, Mrs. Kuku encouraged delegates to use the conference as a strategic platform to drive meaningful change.

She advocated for fairness in safety practices (Just Culture) and equitable shifts toward sustainable aviation (Just Transition).

“Let us work together to protect jobs, enhance conditions of service, and strengthen the sector—not through conflict, but through cooperation,” she concluded.

A tech business is a company that operates in the technology industry, offering products or services that are based on or powered by technology.

This can include a wide range of businesses, such as software companies, hardware manufacturers, IT consulting firms, telecommunications companies, and e-commerce businesses.

Tech businesses leverage technology to create innovative solutions, streamline processes, and improve efficiency. They often rely on skilled professionals, such as software developers, engineers, and data scientists, to create and maintain their products and services.

The technology industry is rapidly evolving and highly competitive, which means that tech businesses must be agile, adaptable, and innovative to succeed. They must also be able to identify and capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities, while staying ahead of competitors in terms of product development, marketing, and customer experience.

Having  a skilled and strategic Business Development Manager (BDM) is essential for success. A great Tech BDM is someone who possesses a unique blend of technical and business skills, coupled with excellent communication and relationship-building abilities to achieve success in this role.

They should have a deep understanding of the company’s technology, as well as the ability to identify and evaluate new business opportunities.

Let’s take a closer look at the qualities that make a great Tech BDM:

Technical expertise

A great Tech BDM should have a strong technical background and be knowledgeable about the company’s products and services. This will allow them to understand the technical capabilities of the company and help them identify potential opportunities for growth.

Business acumen

In addition to technical expertise, a great Tech BDM should also have a keen understanding of the business landscape. They should be able to identify potential opportunities for growth and be aware of the competition.

Strategic thinking

A great Tech BDM should be able to analyze market trends and competitor activities and develop strategic plans to capitalize on opportunities. They should be able to identify potential areas of growth and develop strategies to achieve company goals.

Strong communication skills

A Tech BDM should be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. They should be able to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms and effectively convey the value of the company’s products and services.

Sales and negotiation skills

To be a great Tech BDM, one must have strong sales and negotiation skills. They should be able to close deals and build partnerships that help drive growth for the company.

Relationship building

Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders is essential for a Tech BDM’s success. They should be able to build trust and establish long-term partnerships that benefit both parties.

Results-oriented

A great Tech BDM should be focused on achieving results and have a track record of delivering on goals and objectives. They should be able to work collaboratively with the team to achieve company goals and objectives.

Adaptability

The technology industry is constantly evolving, and a great Tech BDM should be able to adapt quickly to changes in the market and the business environment. They should be able to identify emerging trends and adjust strategies accordingly.

Analytical skills

A Tech BDM should have strong analytical skills to evaluate market trends, customer needs, and business opportunities. They should be able to identify potential areas of growth and develop strategies to capitalize on them.

Risk management

Risk management skill is one of the most important qualities of a BDM. He or she must possess this skill to handle unforeseen circumstances that come with the business and reduce churn rate.

A great Business Development Manager (BDM) can have a significant impact on business growth in several ways:

Identifying new business opportunities

A great BDM can help identify new business opportunities by analyzing market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities. They can then develop strategies to capitalize on these opportunities, which can lead to increased revenue and growth for the company.

Building and maintaining strong relationships

A great BDM can build and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders. These relationships can lead to increased sales, repeat business, and referrals, all of which contribute to business growth.

Closing deals

A great BDM should have strong sales and negotiation skills. They should be able to close deals and build partnerships that help drive growth for the company. By closing more deals, the BDM can increase revenue and contribute to the company’s growth.

Developing and executing strategic plans

A great BDM should have a strategic mindset and be able to develop and execute plans that align with the company’s goals and objectives. By developing and executing effective strategies, the BDM can help drive growth for the company.

Analyzing and evaluating data

A great BDM should have strong analytical skills to evaluate market trends, customer needs, and business opportunities. By analyzing and evaluating data, the BDM can identify potential areas of growth and develop strategies to capitalize on them. This can lead to increased revenue and growth for the company.

In conclusion, a great Business Development Manager can have a significant impact on business growth by identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships, closing deals, developing and executing strategic plans, and analyzing and evaluating data. By leveraging their unique blend of technical and business skills, a great BDM can help drive growth and success for a company in the highly competitive technology industry.

Unlocking expansion prospects and exploring new markets is critical for every organisation’s long-term success and sustainability in today’s highly competitive business world. Business development’s importance in this process cannot be overemphasised

By discovering and pursuing new markets strategically, OluwaKorede Titilayo Akinsanmi, a business transformation and technology strategist, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in unlocking growth opportunities through business development. Her accomplishments highlight the effectiveness of strategic and innovative thinking in driving organisational growth.

Collaborating with strategic partners can facilitate entry into new markets. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and customer base of partners, businesses can gain a competitive edge and accelerate market penetration. Strategic partnerships may involve joint ventures, licensing agreements, or distribution partnerships, depending on the specific market and industry dynamics.

Adapting existing products or developing new offerings tailored to the needs of the target market is crucial for success. By understanding the unique challenges, cultural nuances, and preferences of customers in new markets, businesses can create differentiated solutions that resonate with the target audience. This involves customising features, adjusting pricing models, or even repositioning the brand to align with local market expectations.

Flexibility and adaptability are key when entering new markets, Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, organisations can consider agile market entry strategies. These strategies involve testing the market with a minimal viable product, gathering customer feedback, and iteratively refining the offering based on real-time insights. This iterative approach enables businesses to rapidly adjust their strategies and offerings to meet evolving market demands.

Business growth is a continual process that necessitates continuing learning and progress. It is critical to be informed about market dynamics, industry trends, and upcoming technologies that may have an influence on the target markets. Professionals in business development should actively seek feedback, review outcomes, and implement lessons learnt into future efforts. 

Titilayo Akinsanmi led the Revenue Assurance team at American Tower, where she identified inefficiencies in the billing process. Her team’s efforts resulted in the recovery of over $2 million in potential lost revenue.

By meticulously analysing the billing system, she not only improved financial performance but also contributed to the overall growth of the organisation.

Titilayo Akinsanmi successfully managed the migration of the Bilamipaka platform used by the field operations team at a significant cost reduction.

She saved the organisation $20,000 in annual expenses. This exemplifies her ability to leverage technology and streamline processes to drive efficiency and allocate resources towards growth initiatives.

Unlocking growth opportunities through business development is a critical aspect of strategic leadership. By exploring new markets, organisations can diversify their revenue streams, gain a competitive advantage, and ensure long-term success. Through thorough market research, strategic partnerships, innovative product development, agile market entry strategies, and continuous learning, businesses can effectively identify and capitalise on growth opportunities.

The achievements of Korede Titilayo Akinsanmi highlight the importance of strategic thinking and expertise in unlocking growth potential and driving organisational success.