In a powerful affirmation of excellence, innovation, and Pan-African resilience, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again risen to the pinnacle of the continent’s financial sector. At the prestigious Banker.com 2025 Bank of the Year Awards, hosted at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in London, UBA was named African Bank of the Year 2025—marking its third win in just five years, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic and forward-thinking financial institutions.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. UBA also swept national honors, with nine of its African subsidiaries declared Best Bank of the Year in their respective countries—Benin, Chad, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. This impressive continental spread underscores UBA’s deep-rooted presence and leadership across West, Central, and Southern Africa, reinforcing the strength and unity of its truly Pan-African franchise.
A Legacy of Excellence Recognized
Organized annually by The Banker, a flagship publication of the Financial Times of London, the Bank of the Year Awards are widely considered the most rigorous and respected benchmarks in global banking. Institutions are evaluated on financial performance, strategic innovation, customer service, corporate governance, and technological advancement.
This year, The Banker didn’t mince words in its assessment of UBA’s achievements:
“For the third time in five years, UBA Group has won the coveted Bank of the Year award for Africa. UBA Group time after time punches above its weight against its larger African rivals… The bank this year also takes home nine separate country awards—more than any of its continent-wide rivals—and equivalent to around a quarter of all African awards.”
The recognition is particularly striking given the fiercely competitive banking landscapes in countries like Benin and Mozambique, where UBA emerged victorious—a testament to operational excellence and market relevance.
Resilient Growth, Strategic Vision
Behind the accolades lies a foundation of robust performance and visionary leadership. In 2024, UBA reported a remarkable 46.8% increase in total assets and a 6.1% growth in pre-tax profits in local currency terms, even amid macroeconomic volatility across several African markets.
West Africa, the bank’s historic heartland, showed astonishing momentum, with operating revenue and profit surging by 87% and 89% respectively in H1 2025, driven by digital expansion, customer acquisition, and strategic investments in infrastructure.
But UBA’s strategy goes beyond profit. The bank continues to invest heavily in talent, infrastructure, and digital transformation, ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusive growth.
Digital Innovation at Scale
UBA’s leadership isn’t just about size—it’s about innovation that transforms lives. The bank continues to pioneer accessible, cutting-edge financial solutions tailored for the African context.
In 2024, UBA launched its Advance Top-Up buy-now-pay-later feature on the *919# USSD platform, enabling millions of unbanked and underbanked customers to access short-term credit instantly—no smartphone or internet required.
Equally groundbreaking is Leo, UBA’s AI-powered chatbot. In H1 2025 alone, Leo recorded a 29% year-on-year increase in transaction volumes, playing a crucial role in customer engagement and support. In August, Leo made history by becoming the first African banking chatbot to facilitate cross-border payments via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS)—a milestone that accelerates financial integration across the continent.
This fusion of innovation and inclusion reflects UBA’s mission: to make banking simple, fast, and accessible to every African, everywhere.
Leadership and Vision
At the ceremony in London, Deji Adeyelure, CEO of UBA UK, accepted the awards on behalf of Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba, alongside senior executives Mark Ifashe (Head of Business Development) and Shilpam Jha (Head, Financial Institutions).
In a statement, Mr. Alawuba expressed pride in the recognition:
“This honour reflects the strength of our Pan-African network, the trust of our customers, and the dedication of our people. Winning Africa’s Bank of the Year for the third time in five years is not by chance; it is a testament to disciplined execution, innovation, and a deep understanding of the markets we serve.”
He continued:
“Our nine country awards across diverse regions of Africa show that UBA is not just growing, but growing with impact. We remain committed to driving financial inclusion, supporting economic development, and deploying technology that makes banking simpler, faster, and more accessible to Africans everywhere.”
A Truly Pan-African Institution
With 25,000 employees, a customer base of over 45 million, and operations spanning 20 African countries, plus the UK, USA, France, and UAE, UBA is more than a bank—it is a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation.
As the continent continues to navigate complex challenges—from currency volatility to infrastructure gaps—UBA’s consistency, innovation, and regional depth offer a model of sustainable, homegrown excellence.
Looking Ahead
As UBA celebrates this remarkable achievement, the future is even brighter. With continued investment in digital platforms, financial inclusion, and cross-border integration, the bank is poised to deepen its impact across Africa and beyond.
In an era where global recognition is earned through resilience and relevance, UBA Plc has once again proven that Africa’s banks can lead—not just participate—on the world stage.
Africa’s Bank. For Africa. From Africa. Leading the way.
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