United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail Banking and Best Bank for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, reinforcing the lender’s position in sustainable finance and digital banking across Africa.
The UBA Euromoney Awards were presented in London, where Euromoney recognised financial institutions that demonstrated strong financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.
The dual recognition reflects UBA’s continued investment in retail banking, digital innovation and sustainability initiatives as the bank expands its footprint across Africa and international markets.
According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through its environmental, social and governance programmes, particularly the launch of a Green Financing Facility aimed at supporting households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy solutions.
The publication also highlighted the bank’s N5 billion financing programme with the Bank of Industry to support women-owned businesses, as well as its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Other initiatives recognised include the installation of solar-powered energy systems across 50 UBA branches and ESG capacity-building programmes that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
The awards underscore the growing emphasis among financial institutions on integrating sustainability into business operations while supporting climate resilience and inclusive economic development.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney cited UBA’s expansion in customer acquisition and digital financial services.
According to the publication, the bank increased its customer base to more than 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail banking revenue rose more than fourfold to N429.5 billion.
UBA was also recognised for expanding digital banking through LEO, its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, which became Africa’s first AI banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies using the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
The innovation forms part of broader efforts to simplify cross-border payments and improve financial inclusion across African markets.
Commenting on the recognition, UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as validation of the bank’s long-term strategy.
“These awards are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our customers while advancing sustainable development across Africa.”
He said the recognition demonstrates that commercial success and sustainable banking can be pursued simultaneously.
According to Alawuba, the bank will continue investing in businesses and communities, expanding financial inclusion and delivering innovative financial solutions that support economic growth across the continent.
He dedicated the awards to UBA’s customers for their continued confidence and to employees across the Group for their contribution to the institution’s achievements.
Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the awards reinforce the bank’s customer-first strategy.
She noted that the bank’s innovations and investments are designed to create long-term value while supporting entrepreneurs, expanding access to financial services and promoting clean energy financing.
Ladipo described the Euromoney recognition as an affirmation of UBA’s commitment to innovation and customer-focused banking.
UBA currently operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, serving more than 45 million customers through its branch network and digital platforms.
