• UBA appointed Congolese banker Michael Kayembe as chief executive of its DR Congo subsidiary.
• The move followed UBA’s strategy to localize management announced by chairman Tony Elumelu.
• UBA RDC reported sharply higher profits in 2024 and planned aggressive branch expansion through 2028.

United Bank for Africa appointed Michael Kayembe as chief executive officer of its subsidiary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kayembe replaced Nigerian executive Sampson Aneke, who previously held the position. Gisèle Bondo continued to serve as deputy chief executive, a role she assumed in February 2024.

The appointment aligned with the management localization strategy announced in November 2025 by UBA Group chairman Tony Elumelu during his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At that time, Elumelu said the group would appoint a Congolese national to lead the local subsidiary. The strategy also provided for the appointment of nine Congolese members to the bank’s board.

Michael Kayembe brought more than 20 years of banking experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Before joining UBA RDC, Kayembe held senior management roles at Rawbank. He served as head of Corporate and Investment Banking and as regional director for eastern DR Congo, where he oversaw operations across several provinces.

He previously spent more than 14 years at Citigroup Congo. He led corporate banking and global banking network activities after serving as branch manager in Lubumbashi.

Michael Kayembe held an MBA from Kennesaw State University. He specialized in strategy, financial analysis, and business development. At UBA RDC, he assumed responsibility for driving growth strategy, improving operational performance, and strengthening institutional partnerships.

The appointment came as UBA expanded its operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. UBA has operated in the country since 2011. The bank currently maintained operations in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Matadi.

Under its 2024–2028 strategic plan, UBA aimed to expand its branch network to 21 outlets by 2028, compared with three currently. The plan also included a significant expansion of its automated teller machine network.

UBA RDC recorded strong financial performance in 2024. The bank posted net profit of 21 billion naira, up from 4.3 billion naira the previous year. Operating income rose to 22.8 billion naira. At group level, UBA targeted customer deposits of $1.8 billion by 2028.

Boaz Kabeya