United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has earned two major accolades at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, winning Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Sustainability (ESG).
The awards were presented on July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, recognising banks that excel in financial performance, innovation, customer service, and sustainable business practices.
The dual recognition highlights UBA’s growing influence in sustainable finance and retail banking across Africa.
According to Euromoney, UBA stood out for its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, including:
* Launching a Green Financing Facility to help households and businesses transition to renewable energy.
* Partnering with the Bank of Industry on a ₦5 billion financing programme to support women-owned businesses.
* Committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
* Installing solar-powered energy systems in 50 branches.
* Providing ESG training to more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney recognised UBA’s continued expansion, with the bank growing its customer base to over 37 million by the end of 2025. Its retail banking revenue also increased more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.
The publication further commended UBA’s digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to enable 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 and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the awards affirm the bank’s commitment to delivering value while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
He noted that the recognition demonstrates that commercial success and sustainable banking can go hand in hand, adding that UBA remains committed to financing Africa’s future, promoting financial inclusion, supporting businesses and communities, and delivering innovative banking solutions.
UBA’s Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, described the awards as a reflection of the bank’s customer-first philosophy.
She said every innovation and investment by the bank is aimed at creating exceptional value for customers, whether through financing entrepreneurs, expanding digital payment solutions, promoting clean energy, or advancing financial inclusion across the continent.
The latest recognition further strengthens UBA’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with a growing focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric banking.
