Marufatu Abiola Bawuah’s appointment as the first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Africa marks a significant milestone in the continent’s banking industry. Her journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of banking leadership exemplifies determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Trailblazing Journey
Born on September 25, 1968, in Ghana, Abiola Bawuah’s ascent to this prominent position is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her educational journey began at Achimota School, after which she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Demonstrating a passion for continuous learning, she later obtained a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of London, a diploma in marketing from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in finance from the University of Ghana. Further honing her leadership skills, Bawuah attended prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia University, and INSEAD.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Bawuah’s career trajectory is marked by significant roles across various financial institutions. She commenced her professional journey with Standard Chartered Bank as a Business Relationship Officer, followed by a position as a Relationship Manager at CAL Bank. Her expertise further expanded during her tenure as an authorized dealing broker at Strategic African Securities and as an investment officer at the law firm Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa, and Ankomah.
In 2013, Bawuah joined UBA Ghana as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Her exemplary leadership led to her promotion as Regional CEO for West Africa, where she oversaw operations in nine countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Her recent elevation to CEO of UBA Africa places her at the helm of the bank’s operations across the continent, excluding Nigeria.
Championing Diversity and Empowerment
Bawuah’s appointment is a significant milestone in a sector traditionally dominated by men. It reflects a broader shift towards embracing diversity and empowering women in leadership roles. Under her guidance, UBA Africa is poised to leverage her extensive experience and innovative vision to drive growth and inclusivity.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Bawuah is a fervent advocate for women’s empowerment. She established the Abiola Bawuah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls in Africa by providing educational opportunities and mentorship. Her memoir, “Chosen from the Darkness,” chronicles her journey from humble beginnings to corporate leadership, serving as an inspiration to many.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her illustrious career, Bawuah has garnered numerous accolades. In 2016, she was honored as the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana’s Marketing Woman of the Year and received the Finance Personality of the Year Award at the Ghana Accountancy and Finance Awards. In 2018, she was listed among Africa’s 50 Most Influential Women in Business by The African Report. More recently, in 2020, she was named Woman of the Year at the EMY Africa Awards, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the African banking industry.
Abiola Bawuah’s journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, excellence, and transformative leadership. As she steps into her role as UBA Africa’s CEO, she embodies the potential of dynamic leadership to drive change and inspire future generations across the continent.
