Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has solidified its standing as a leading financial institution on the continent, earning recognition as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, celebrates banking institutions that demonstrate exceptional financial performance, innovation, customer impact, and sustainable business practices.
This dual recognition highlights UBA’s commitment to advancing sustainable finance while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.
Euromoney specifically cited UBA’s significant progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This includes the introduction of a Green Financing Facility to assist households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy, a ₦5 billion financing programme in collaboration with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses, and its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The publication also acknowledged UBA’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations, such as the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building initiatives that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney commended UBA’s continued expansion as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The Bank successfully increased its customer base to over 37 million by the close of 2025, with retail revenue more than quadrupling to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also recognized UBA’s ongoing digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning AI-powered chatbot, LEO. LEO 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).
Commenting on the recognition, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a validation of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to creating value for customers while advancing 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,” Alawuba stated. “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.”
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, also commented on the awards, noting that the recognition reflects the Bank’s enduring 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,” Ladipo explained. “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 spanning 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to reinforce 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.
