Key Tips For Building Sustainable Partnerships From UBA Business Series
United Bank for Africa (UBA) brought together top entrepreneurs and professionals for an insightful session that highlighted the critical elements required to build and sustain powerful business partnerships, especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Focusing on the theme, “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Businesses through Partnerships,” the session, held on Thursday at UBA House in Lagos and streamed live to viewers across Africa, explored how value alignment, shared vision, and compatibility drive long-term success.
The event featured a diverse panel of speakers, including fashion entrepreneur Mai Atafo, beauty entrepreneur Dabota Lawson, real estate investor Wale Ayilara, and journalist and TV producer Peace Hyde, who all shared personal experiences and practical strategies for forming productive and enduring business alliances.
Avoid transactional relationships, pursue strategic value
Dabota Lawson, who started her beauty business to make people feel included through her products, shared how her journey taught her the limitations of chasing exposure at the expense of strategic value.
“Early on, I chased exposure – sending products to influencers with millions of followers. But visibility doesn’t always equal sales,” she said. “I shifted focus to value-driven partnerships: labs for product development, logistics for efficiency, and beauty professionals who align with my brand.”
Choose partners who share your vision
For Peace Hyde, partnerships must go beyond financial support. She emphasised the need for SMEs to work with partners who are aligned with their current goals.
“Partner with those who believe in your current vision, not just where you could be. Money isn’t everything; sometimes distribution or audience access matters more,” she noted. “Choosing the right partners—not just the highest bidder—can lead to global success.”
Start small, build smart
Wale Ayilara, who ventured into real estate while still a student, spoke on the importance of leveraging existing relationships and starting modestly.
“You need to leverage whatever you have. Start small, co-own properties with trusted friends. In university, I pooled funds with classmates to solve accommodation shortages,” he explained. “Real estate is unavoidable—everyone needs it—but risks like scams exist. Research, start modestly, and scale deliberately.”
Set boundaries, verify everything
Fashion entrepreneur Mai Atafo, who left a high-paying job to pursue his passion, advised business owners to clearly define their priorities and adopt a rigorous, research-driven approach.
“Define boundaries early. Choose your lane—whether it is artistry or profit—and research relentlessly,” he said. “Assume everything you hear is a lie until you verify it. Inquisitive learning is everything.”
Empowering entrepreneurs with practical tools
Welcoming participants, Shamsideen Fashola, Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking at UBA, said the quarterly business event is designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools and strategies to grow their ventures.
“We are thrilled to host this transformative event here and virtually across the continent,” he said. “At UBA, our commitment to business development and financial inclusion drives this initiative, and we’re excited to bring together brilliant minds to share insights on the power of collaboration.”
Also speaking, Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, highlighted the importance of not just listening to speakers but acting on the insights shared.
“There’s so much to learn—but it’s not just about feeling excited. It’s about taking the lessons shared, researching the information, retaining it, and reminding yourself of it,” she said.
With over 45 million customers and a presence in 20 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to champion financial inclusion and entrepreneurial support across the continent. Read More
