UBA wins double Euromoney honour as Nigeria’s best retail lender, ESG leader
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has strengthened its standing as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions after securing two major honours at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, winning Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Sustainability (ESG).
The awards, presented on July 17 at The Peninsula London, recognise financial institutions that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, customer impact and excellence in sustainable banking.
The double recognition highlights UBA’s growing influence in retail banking while reinforcing its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across Africa.
According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through several sustainability initiatives, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility designed to help households and businesses transition to renewable energy.
The bank was also recognised for its ₦5 billion financing programme with the Bank of Industry to support women-owned businesses and its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The publication further acknowledged UBA’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy systems across 50 branches and extensive ESG capacity-building programmes that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney cited UBA’s rapid expansion 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, while retail banking revenue more than quadrupled to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also recognised UBA’s continued investment in digital innovation, particularly enhancements to its AI-powered virtual banking assistant, LEO.
The platform became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking solution to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), further strengthening seamless banking across the continent.
While commenting on the achievement, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a strong endorsement of the bank’s strategy of combining commercial success with sustainable development.
“Being recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both Retail Banking and ESG in the same year demonstrates that sustainable banking and business performance go hand in hand.
“At UBA, we remain committed to financing Africa’s future by supporting businesses, promoting financial inclusion, investing in communities and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives."
Moreover, Alawuba maintained that “These awards belong to our customers for their continued trust and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication has made this achievement possible,” he said.
Also speaking, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the recognition reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to delivering value to customers.
“These awards reaffirm our Customer First philosophy. Every innovation, product and investment we make is driven by our desire to create meaningful value for our customers.
“Whether through access to finance for entrepreneurs, seamless digital payment solutions, clean energy financing or broader financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering lasting impact.
“We are honoured that one of the world’s leading financial publications has recognised these efforts,” she said.
With operations spanning 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to expand its footprint as Africa’s Global Bank, serving more than 45 million customers through technology-driven financial services and a strong commitment to sustainable growth.
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