African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banks

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banks With a 67-year history, United Bank for Africa, UBA, is one of the most recognized banking brands to originate from Sub-Sahara Africa.

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banking and financial services

United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banks

 The Five Biggest Banks in Africa

Standard Bank Group

Absa Group

First Rand Bank

Nedbank

Qatar National Bank



The Five Biggest Banks in Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest economy

Standard Bank Group

Absa Group

United Bank for Africa

Qatar National Bank

Zenith Bank


United Bank for Africa is Africa's up-and-coming global banking giant.



 United Bank for Africa, UBA, has more than 67 years of providing uninterrupted banking operations dating back to 1948 when the British and French Bank Limited (BFB) commenced business in Nigeria. 

 Following Nigeria’s independence from Britain, UBA was incorporated on February 23, 1961, to take over the business of BFB.

United Bank for Africa eventually listed its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in 1970 and became the first Nigerian bank to subsequently undertake an Initial Public Offering. An initial public offering (IPO) is the first time that the stock of a private company is offered to the public. 

United Bank for Africa offers credit cards, consumer banking, corporate banking, finance and insurance, investment banking, mortgage loans, private banking, private equity, savings, securities, and asset management.
UBA became the first sub-Saharan bank to take its banking business to North America when it opened its New York Office in 1984 to offer banking services to Africans in Diaspora. 

 Today’s UBA emerged from the merger of then dynamic and fast-growing Standard Trust Bank, incorporated in 1990 and UBA, one of the biggest and oldest banks in Nigeria.

 Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu is the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa. Under the Board of Directors, UBA was the first and only Nigerian Bank to obtain a banking license in the Cayman Islands. 

United Bank for Africa

In Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, the United Bank for Africa is the third-largest bank in Nigeria. Standard Bank is the largest African banking group by assets and investments, and the Absa Group is second. United Bank for Africa is one of Africa's largest banks located in 20 African countries as well as the US, London, and Paris.

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Chad

Cote D'Ivoire

Gabon

Ghana

Guinea

Kenya

Liberia

London

Mali

Mozambique

Nigeria

Republic of the Congo Brazzaville

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Tanzania

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United States of America, New York

Uganda

Zambia


United Bank for Africa operates in 19 African countries, as well as New York, London and Paris.


Links to African history and facts

African Water Spirit Mami Wata

Reported Female Genital Cutting Countries

Nkasa Tree Test for Witches

African Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention

Life in the Slums of Africa

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How Drones Are Changing Humanitarian Disaster Response

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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