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*Recognized for excellence in retail banking and leadership in sustainability
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has strengthened its position as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions after emerging as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability (ESG) Leadership at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026.
The awards, presented on Thursday 17 July 2026 at The Peninsula London in the UK, celebrate banking institutions that demonstrate exceptional financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.
The double recognition highlights UBA’s leadership in promoting sustainable finance, while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.
According to Euromoney, UBA has distinguished itself with significant strides in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses in the transition to renewable energy, a ₦5 billion financing program in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses, and its long-term commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The publication also highlighted UBA’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through the implementation of solar energy solutions in 50 subsidiaries and comprehensive ESG capacity building initiatives that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney recognized UBA’s continued expansion as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The Bank expanded its customer base to over 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail revenues more than quadrupled to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also recognized UBA’s continued digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which has become the first AI banking platform in Africa to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Commenting on the recognition, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a confirmation of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to creating value for customers, while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
“Being recognized as Nigeria’s best bank for both ESG and retail in the same year sends a strong message: sustainable banking and business success reinforce each other.
“At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion and providing innovative banking solutions that improve lives. These awards belong to our customers for their trust in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality.”
Speaking on the awards, Alero Ladipo, Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications at UBA, said the recognition reflects the Bank’s enduring commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything it does.
“These awards are a strong 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’s supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, promoting clean energy financing, or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact. We are honored that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognized these efforts.”
With operations in 20 African countries, as well as the UK, US, 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 technologies, world-class banking services and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development.
