United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has solidified its status as a premier African financial institution by winning the awards for Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. These honors were granted on July 17, 2026, during a ceremony held at The Peninsula London, recognizing excellence in financial innovation and sustainable operations.
Euromoney lauded the bank for its dedicated ESG efforts, specifically citing its Green Financing Facility for renewable energy transitions and a N5 billion program designed to support female entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Bank of Industry. The institution remains firm in its goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Furthermore, UBA has integrated solar power into 50 of its branches and has provided ESG-focused training for over 16,000 staff members.
In the retail sector, UBA’s growth was notable, reaching more than 37 million customers by late 2025 and achieving retail revenue exceeding N429.5 billion. The bank’s digital evolution also received praise, notably the upgrades to its AI chatbot, LEO, which now allows for cross-border transactions using local currencies via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.
Group Managing Director and CEO Oliver Alawuba stated that these accolades demonstrate how sustainable practices and commercial prosperity complement each other. He emphasized that the awards reflect the bank’s dedication to financial inclusion and supporting communities throughout the continent, crediting both the customers and the staff for this achievement.
