Access Bank Plc has recorded a major achievement at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026 after securing 16 awards, marking one of the strongest performances by an African financial institution this year and reinforcing its reputation as a leading global banking brand.

According to a press release issued by the bank, the awards recognise outstanding performance in customer experience, sustainable finance, SME banking, digital banking, corporate responsibility and market leadership across several African countries.

The bank stated that the recognition reflects the successful execution of its long-term strategy, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, customer-centric services and responsible growth. It added that the honours also highlight the growing role of an African financial institution in shaping the future of banking both across the continent and internationally.

For more than 30 years, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence have served as one of the banking industry’s most respected global benchmarks. The awards assess financial institutions based on financial performance as well as leadership, innovation, governance, customer outcomes, strategic execution and long-term value creation.

Awards across African markets

Access Bank’s 2026 honours span several markets and business segments, including:

• Corporate Responsibility in Angola, Botswana and Nigeria.
• Digital Banking Leadership in Cameroon.
• Customer Experience Excellence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya through the National Bank of Kenya.
• SME Banking Leadership in Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia.
• Sustainable Finance and ESG Leadership in Rwanda and Zambia.
• Best Bank awards in The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Zambia.

The wide range of awards reflects the bank’s ongoing transformation, positioning it as a major force in African banking while strengthening its influence within the global financial services industry.

According to the bank, its continued investment in digital banking, customer experience, sustainability, SME development, financial inclusion and operational resilience has supported this achievement. It also credited its governance framework, risk management culture and disciplined execution as key factors behind its expanding footprint across Africa and the strengthening of international trade and investment corridors.

Rather than recognising a single project, the awards acknowledge consistent excellence across multiple business segments and countries, underscoring the bank’s strategic vision and sustainable growth model.

The recognition also aligns with Access Bank’s mission of connecting Africa to the global economy while creating sustainable economic opportunities in the markets where it operates.

Through its extensive operations, the bank continues to support small and medium-sized enterprises, promote financial inclusion, empower women-led businesses, encourage youth entrepreneurship and expand access to digital financial services. It has also maintained a strong focus on sustainable finance and responsible banking initiatives aimed at building more resilient and inclusive economies.

As African economies continue to integrate into global value chains, Access Bank said it remains committed to facilitating trade, attracting investment and creating opportunities that drive shared prosperity.

Commenting on the achievement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:

“These awards are a tribute to the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our employees and the strength of the communities and markets we serve. More importantly, they affirm that our commitment to innovation, customer excellence, sustainability and responsible growth continues to deliver meaningful impact at scale. Across our network, we have remained focused on building solutions that help individuals, businesses and institutions thrive in an increasingly connected world. This recognition validates years of disciplined execution and reinforces our belief that African institutions can compete successfully at the highest global standards.”

He added:

“We are deeply grateful to our customers, partners and employees whose confidence and commitment have made achievements like this possible. While we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future—raising the bar for excellence, creating long-term value and supporting Africa’s transformation through world-class financial services,”

The bank noted that the awards translate into improved value for customers through enhanced digital experiences, faster and more accessible banking services, stronger security, broader international connectivity and greater confidence in a trusted financial institution.

It added that the recognition also provides investors, correspondent banks, development finance institutions, regulators and multinational organisations with additional evidence of Access Bank’s scale, resilience and credibility within the global financial ecosystem.

Source: ThisDay.