United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has been named Africa’s Bank of the Year 2025 by The Banker, the Financial Times’ prestigious global banking publication—marking its third win in five years, having previously received the honor in 2021 and 2023. The recognition, announced at the 2025 Banker Awards in London, underscores UBA’s sustained excellence in financial innovation, pan-African reach, and resilient performance amid complex macroeconomic conditions across the continent.
This UBA Bank of the Year 2025 award highlights the bank’s strategic agility in navigating Nigeria’s evolving monetary policy, currency reforms, and inflationary pressures, while continuing to expand its footprint across 20 African countries and key international financial centers. With over 27 million customers and a digital-first strategy that drove 95% of transactions through electronic channels in 2024, UBA demonstrated exceptional operational efficiency and customer-centric growth.
“The challenges across our operating environments have been significant,” said Olaleye Oladimeji, Group Executive Director, Operations & Technology, UBA Group, in a statement following the announcement. “Yet, our focus on technology, talent, and transformation has allowed us to deliver strong results, deepen financial inclusion, and remain a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and institutions.”
The Banker cited several key achievements in its assessment:
- Sustained profitability despite volatility in key markets
- Expansion of cross-border trade finance solutions under AfCFTA
- Launch of innovative digital products, including Ussd-as-a-Service and AI-powered chat support
- Leadership in green financing and ESG-aligned lending
“UBA continues to set the benchmark for pan-African banking,” the judges noted. “Its ability to maintain stability, drive digital adoption, and support regional integration makes it a deserving recipient of Africa’s top banking honor.”
The bank also made strides in financial inclusion, launching agent banking networks in underserved rural areas and partnering with fintechs to extend credit access to SMEs. In 2024 alone, UBA disbursed over ₦800 billion ($950 million) in loans to small and medium enterprises across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.
UBA’s international presence strengthened further in 2025 with upgraded operations in France, the UK, and Dubai, positioning the bank as a bridge between Africa and global capital markets.
“This award is not just for UBA,” said Kenneth Izebode, Group Head of Corporate Communications. “It belongs to every customer, employee, and stakeholder who believes in African potential. It affirms that with vision, discipline, and innovation, African institutions can compete—and win—on the world stage.”
With this UBA Bank of the Year 2025 win, the Lagos-headquartered institution cements its reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic and forward-looking financial services providers.
Because when Africa grows, UBA doesn’t just watch.
It leads.
Follow us on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/businessnewsng?igsh=ZXpweTdjOGF1ZXdu
