Abayomi Susan
…Recognised for Excellence in Retail Banking and Sustainability Leadership
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has further cemented its reputation as one of the continent’s foremost financial institutions after clinching two major honours at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The bank was named Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail Banking.
The awards, presented on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, celebrate financial institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance in innovation, customer service, financial strength, and sustainable business practices.
The dual recognition highlights UBA’s leadership in advancing sustainable finance while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.
According to Euromoney, UBA earned the ESG award through its outstanding sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy. The publication also cited the bank’s ₦5 billion financing programme, launched in partnership with the Bank of Industry, to empower women-owned businesses, as well as its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The bank was further recognised for embedding sustainability into its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building programmes that have equipped more than 16,000 employees across the Group with sustainability knowledge and skills.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney commended UBA’s continued growth as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. By the end of 2025, the bank had expanded its customer base to more than 37 million, while retail banking revenue surged more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also acknowledged UBA’s continued digital transformation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Reacting to the achievement, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a strong endorsement of the bank’s commitment to delivering value to customers while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
“To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing.
“At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives. These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality.”
Also speaking on the recognition, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the awards reaffirm the bank’s unwavering commitment to its customer-first philosophy.
“These awards are a powerful affirmation of our Customer First philosophy. Every innovation we introduce, every solution we develop, and every investment we make is driven by our desire to create exceptional value for our customers.
“Whether it is supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, advancing clean energy financing, or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact. We are honoured that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognised these efforts.”
With operations in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s Global Bank, serving more than 45 million customers through innovative technology, world-class banking services, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development.
