The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has earned two major accolades at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions after being named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Sustainability Leadership (ESG).

The awards ceremony took place  recently at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, where Euromoney honoured banking institutions that have demonstrated exceptional financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.

The dual recognition highlights UBA’s continued leadership in sustainable finance alongside its efforts to broaden access to innovative banking services for millions of customers across Africa.

According to Euromoney, the bank stood out for its achievements in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Among the milestones cited were the introduction of a Green Financing Facility designed to help households and businesses transition to renewable energy, a ₦5 billion financing programme developed in partnership with the Bank of Industry to support women-owned businesses, and UBA’s long-term commitment to attaining net-zero emissions by 2050.

The publication also recognised the bank’s integration of sustainability into its operations through the installation of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and ESG capacity-building programmes that have equipped more than 16,000 employees across the Group with sustainability-related knowledge and skills.

In the retail banking category, Euromoney acknowledged UBA’s sustained growth as one of Africa’s largest retail banking institutions. By the end of 2025, the bank had expanded its customer base to more than 37 million, while retail revenue increased more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.

The awards further recognised UBA’s advances in digital banking, particularly the enhancement of its AI-powered chatbot, LEO. The platform became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking solution to enable cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Speaking on the recognition, UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the awards reflect the bank’s dedication to delivering value while supporting sustainable development across the continent.

“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.”

UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, also described the honours as a reflection of the bank’s customer-focused approach.

“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.”

The 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence continue to recognise financial institutions that excel in innovation, customer service, financial performance and sustainable banking, with UBA emerging among the top performers in Nigeria.

Source: Daily Post