United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been named Africa’s Bank of the Year 2025 by The Banker, a respected global finance magazine owned by the Financial Times of London.
This is the third time in five years that UBA has won this top continental award.
UBA also won Best Bank of the Year in nine African countries Benin, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. These awards highlight the bank’s strong performance across West, Central, and Southern Africa.
The award ceremony took place in London, where UBA UK CEO, Deji Adeyelure, received the trophies on behalf of the bank.
According to The Banker, UBA “continues to perform strongly against larger competitors” and its awards spread across several regions show the depth of its growth in Africa.
Strong Financial Results
UBA recorded strong financial growth in 2024:
Assets grew by 46.8%
Profit before tax increased by 6.1% in local currency
Revenue and operating profit rose significantly in West Africa—by 87% and 89% respectively in the first half of 2025.
The bank also continued investing in technology, staff development, and innovation.
Digital Achievements
UBA was recognised for digital leadership:
Launched the Advance Top-Up feature on its 919# USSD service, offering easy credit to customers.
Its chatbot Leo achieved a 29% rise in transaction volume.
Leo became the first African bank chatbot to enable cross-border payments through PAPSS.
Bank CEO Reacts
Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, said the repeated awards show UBA’s solid strategy and customer-first focus.
He said:
“Winning Africa’s Bank of the Year again is not luck. It reflects discipline, innovation, and our deep knowledge of African markets.”
He added that UBA would continue promoting financial inclusion, supporting development, and using technology to make banking faster and easier for customers.
About UBA
Operates in 20 African countries, plus the UK, USA, France, and UAE.
Employs over 25,000 people.
Serves more than 45 million customers worldwide.
Offers retail, corporate, and institutional financial services.
UBA remains one of Africa’s biggest banking brands, with a strong presence across regions and a fast-growing digital footprint.
