United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, further strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
The awards were presented on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, celebrating banks that have demonstrated exceptional financial performance, innovation, customer service and sustainable business practices.
According to Euromoney, the dual recognition reflects UBA’s strong performance in sustainable finance and its efforts to expand access to innovative banking services for millions of customers across Africa.
The publication highlighted several of the bank’s sustainability initiatives, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses adopting renewable energy, a ₦5 billion financing programme with the Bank of Industry for women-owned businesses, and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Euromoney also commended UBA for integrating sustainability into its operations by installing solar-powered energy systems in 50 branches and providing ESG training to more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, the bank was recognised for expanding its customer base to more than 37 million by the end of 2025, while its retail revenue increased more than fourfold to ₦429.5 billion.
The awards also acknowledged UBA’s digital innovation, particularly enhancements to 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 awards, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the recognition reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering value to customers while promoting sustainable development across Africa.
He said the awards demonstrate that sustainability and commercial success can go hand in hand, adding that UBA remains focused on supporting businesses and communities, advancing financial inclusion and providing innovative banking solutions across the continent.
