United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions after winning Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
The awards were presented on July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, recognising banks that demonstrate outstanding financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.
The double recognition highlights UBA’s growing leadership in sustainable finance and its continued expansion of innovative banking services across Africa.
According to Euromoney, UBA stood out for its strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy.
The publication also cited the bank’s ₦5 billion financing programme with the Bank of Industry to support women-owned businesses and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
UBA was further recognised for integrating sustainability into its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and ESG capacity-building programmes that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney commended UBA’s continued growth as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises.
The bank expanded 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 digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Commenting on the achievement, UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a validation of the bank’s commitment to delivering value to customers while supporting sustainable development across Africa.
He said the recognition demonstrates that sustainable banking and commercial success can go hand in hand.
Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to financing Africa’s future by supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives.
He dedicated the awards to the bank’s customers for their continued trust and to UBA employees for their dedication in advancing the institution’s vision.
