Abu Dhabi, UAE — November 10, 2025
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to financing transformative development projects in Chad and across Africa, pledging to play a major role in the implementation of the $30 billion Chad Connection 2030 blueprint.
Delivering the keynote address at the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the Group Managing Director of UBA described the plan as “a declaration of intent and a roadmap to move a nation from the periphery to the very heart of global economic competitiveness.”
Themed “Financing African Competitiveness – Building Bridges, Powering Progress,” the forum brought together government officials, investors, and financial institutions from Chad, the UAE, and across Africa to explore sustainable financing models for infrastructure, energy, and industrialization.
According to the UBA chief, the bank has already committed over $102 million in direct investments in Chad, including a $49 million domestic gas project, a $6.7 million wind farm in Amdjarass, and key funding for road maintenance and telecom modernization.
“Chad Connection 2030 is not just a document; it is a declaration of intent,” he said. “It poses one critical question: how do we finance this future? The answer lies in collaboration — among governments, development finance institutions, African banks, and international investors.”
He highlighted the plan’s targets, including 60% electrification by 2030 and safe water access for 11 million additional people, as essential foundations for industrial growth and economic transformation.
The UBA boss noted that Africa’s domestic financial assets are estimated at about $4 trillion, but less than 15 percent is currently invested in productive infrastructure. He emphasized that UBA’s role is to “bridge that gap,” citing successful deals the bank has structured across the continent, including:
$400 million for Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project;
$700 million investments in Nigeria’s power sector post-privatization; and
$315 million in road projects in Ghana.
He said these examples demonstrate that African institutions can be “architects of finance,” de-risking projects and mobilizing global capital for local impact.
Outlining UBA’s proposed interventions in Chad, he mentioned structuring public-private partnerships (PPPs) for solar and water treatment plants, syndicated loans for regional power grids, and digital platforms to support the country’s e-tax and business registry initiatives.
“Financing African competitiveness is not an act of charity,” he added. “It is the smartest investment we can make in a future of shared prosperity.”
Quoting the late UAE founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he urged stakeholders to “combine resources and skills” to power Chad’s transformation and unlock a new era of African competitiveness.
The event, moderated by Ms. Laura Buckwell, was attended by senior government officials from Chad and the UAE, development finance leaders, and captains of industry
