UBA’s Yomi-Ajayi Joins US EXIM Advisory Committee

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc branch in the United States, Ms Sola Yomi-Ajayi, has been appointed to the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM) for 2020/2021.

The Nigerian is the sole representative of an African institution in the team and UBA has described this as a laudable achievement, being the only Sub-Saharan African deposit-taking institution regulated in the United States.

The lender provides a unique portfolio of banking solutions to corporates, governments, multilaterals, and development organizations transacting with Africa.

Established by the US congress, the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee provides guidance and advice regarding US EXIM policies and programs designed to support the expansion of financing for US manufactured goods and services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking on the appointment, the Chairman of UBA, Mr Tony Elumelu, stated that the appointment is a recognition of the role UBA has played over decades in promoting, and supporting large and small businesses in all its 20 countries of operations in Africa.

“The appointment of Sola, as a member of the US EXIM Advisory Committee for Sub-Saharan Africa is welcomed news.  UBA’s global network of offices in New York, London, and Paris permits us to be the preferred financial intermediary between Africa and the rest of the world.  Our mission at UBA is fully aligned with the objectives of the US EXIM,” he said.

The US EXIM President and Chairman, Ms Kimberly Reed, in a congratulatory address to Ms Yomi-Ajayi and the other appointees said, “With six of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world and more than one billion consumers, Africa is poised to play a pivotal role in the global economy.

“Supporting US exports to sub-Saharan Africa is one of our top priorities at EXIM, and my deepest congratulations goes to the new members of the EXIM Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee.”

Other members of the team are Daniel Runde, who chairs the committee; C. Derek Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Energy and Natural Resource Security, Inc; Scott Eisner, Senior Vice President, African Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Rebecca Enonchong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer AppsTech.

Others are Lori Helmers, Executive Director/Americas Export Finance Head, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Florizelle Liser, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Council on Africa; Mima Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer; EE Okpa, Principal, The OKPA Co; Marise Duff Stewart, Director Customer and Industry Relations, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company; and Paul Sullivan, President – International Business, Acrow Bridge.

EXIM is an independent federal agency that promotes and supports American jobs, by providing competitive and necessary export credit to support sales of U.S. goods and services to international buyers.