UBA, Mastercard launch new debit card to celebrate 75th anniversary

Joy Agwunobi

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, in partnership with Mastercard, has introduced a specially designed debit card in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

The Bank described the initiative as a celebration of its enduring customer relationships, aimed at enhancing banking experiences through exclusive offers and discounts on multiple platforms.

According to the bank, the launch signifies a pivotal step in its partnership with Mastercard, emphasising their mutual commitment to fostering financial empowerment and innovation across Africa.

During the unveiling, Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director and CEO, explained the benefits attached to the commemorative card. He noted that customers stand to enjoy a 25 per cent discount on purchases from Jumia and a $75 cashback on transactions via AliExpress.

“This new card represents the deepening of our relationship and our shared mission to empower millions of Nigerians and Africans by providing them access to secure transactions and new opportunities across the continent,” Alawuba stated.

Alawuba also revealed plans to roll out similar products across all UBA subsidiaries, further solidifying the bank’s commitment to expanding its reach and services. “We are proud of this collaboration, and we are confident that Mastercard’s role in Africa will only grow stronger in the coming years,” he added.

Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at Mastercard, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as an important milestone in advancing Africa’s digital economy. “We are excited to collaborate with UBA to celebrate this milestone and bring more value to customers across Africa. This commemorative card is more than just a product; it reflects our commitment to advancing financial inclusion and supporting Africans in accessing secure, convenient, and impactful financial solutions,” he stated.

Elliott highlighted the immense potential within Africa’s payment ecosystem and shared Mastercard’s readiness to explore further opportunities with UBA. “Together with UBA, we are focused on delivering innovation that meets the evolving needs of the region, empowering individuals, and promoting digital growth across the continent,” he added.