United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has strengthened its standing as one of Africa’s major financial groups after winning two top honours in Nigeria at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The bank was named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and for Sustainability Leadership, a double win that was presented on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom.
The Euromoney awards recognise lenders that combine strong financial results with innovation, measurable customer benefits and credible sustainability practices. For UBA, the separate categories reinforced a central message that investors and regulators are increasingly rewarding: environmental, social and governance performance can be pursued alongside expansion in retail banking and customer growth.
Judges pointed to UBA’s progress on environmental, social and governance metrics, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility designed to help households and companies shift toward renewable energy use. The bank also highlighted a ₦5 billion financing programme carried out with the Bank of Industry, aimed at supporting enterprises owned by women. UBA further reiterated its long-term pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Beyond product offers, the bank’s sustainability push extended into its operating model. Euromoney noted the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches, alongside ESG-focused training and capability-building efforts for staff. More than 16,000 employees across the group have been trained through these initiatives, reflecting an emphasis on embedding sustainability into day-to-day decisions rather than treating it as a stand-alone programme.
In the retail banking segment, UBA was recognised for continued scaling of what the award described as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The bank grew its customer base to more than 37 million by the end of 2025. Retail revenue, meanwhile, rose to ₦429.5 billion, with the publication noting that the figure represents a more than fourfold increase.
The awards also spotlighted UBA’s digital momentum, particularly improvements to its AI-powered chatbot, LEO. Euromoney said LEO became the first artificial intelligence banking platform in Africa to support cross-border transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), positioning UBA to serve customers seeking faster and more accessible international payments within the region.
Commenting on the recognition, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the outcome affirms the bank’s approach to building value for clients while supporting 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,” he said. “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 for Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, added that the honours reflect a sustained focus on customers. She described the awards as an endorsement of the bank’s “Customer First” philosophy, saying that each innovation, solution and investment is designed to create value for clients. Ladipo also pointed to the breadth of UBA’s impact efforts, from financing entrepreneurs and enabling digital payments to expanding clean energy finance and broadening financial inclusion across Africa, adding that the bank was honoured to receive recognition from a widely followed global financial publication.
