At the South-East Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum in Enugu, a clear message rang out above the political rhetoric: potential is nothing without execution. Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), delivered a keynote address that served as a cold shower of economic reality, advocating for security and "bankable projects" as the twin pillars of regional renaissance.

Alawuba’s presence in Enugu was significant. As the head of one of Africa’s most aggressive financial institutions, his words carried the weight of capital. He wasn’t just offering platitudes; he was outlining the conditions under which money flows. "The era of potential is over. We are now in the era of execution," he declared, a sentiment that should be plastered on every government office wall across the continent. His diagnosis of the South-East’s stagnation was precise: the region has the enterprise, but it lacks the structural integrity to attract long-term, big-ticket investment.

The Infrastructure of Trust

The UBA chief highlighted a critical bottleneck: the lack of "bankable structures." In banking parlance, this means projects that are transparent, legally sound, and financially viable—not just political wish lists. He drew a sharp parallel with the "Chad Connection 2030" plan, praising it as a masterclass in shifting from periphery to competitiveness. It is a stinging rebuke to local leaders that a banker has to point to Chad as a model for the industrious South-East to follow.

Security remains the elephant in the room. Alawuba was diplomatic but firm: capital is a coward. It flees from insecurity. For the South-East to realize its Vision 2050, it must first guarantee the safety of the assets and people it hopes to attract. Without a secure environment, talk of industrialization is merely noise.

• The $4 Trillion Opportunity: Alawuba noted that Africa holds over $4 trillion in assets, yet relies on external aid. His call is for internal value creation—harnessing local pension funds and private capital to build the roads, power plants, and tech hubs the region desperately needs.
• UBA’s Commitment: The bank’s pledge to support SMEs and infrastructure is credible, given its track record. However, Alawuba made it clear that this support is contingent on the region getting its house in order.

From Boardroom to Grassroots

The Vision 2050 Forum is an attempt to chart a long-term course for a region that has often felt marginalized. Alawuba’s intervention injects a dose of private-sector discipline into the planning process. He is telling the governors and stakeholders that the bank vault is open, but only to those who come with rigorous plans, not just dreams.

As the delegates left the International Conference Centre, the challenge was clear. The vision has been written; the banker has spoken. Now, the hard work of turning red tape into red carpets for investors begins.