Amanze Chinonye
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has strengthened its position as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions after being named Africa’s Bank of the Year 2025 by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times of London.
This marks the third time in five years that UBA has claimed the prestigious continental title.
At the 2025 edition of the Bank of the Year Awards, held at The Peninsula in London on Wednesday, UBA also secured nine additional country-level awards, bringing its total haul to 10 awards this year. Subsidiaries in Benin, Chad, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia emerged as Best Bank in their respective markets.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe CEO of UBA UK, Deji Adeyelure, received the awards on behalf of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, accompanied by senior executives Mark Ifashe and Shilpam Jha.
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According to The Banker, UBA distinguished itself through exceptional performance, innovation, and strategic execution across its diverse markets. The publication noted that UBA “punches above its weight against its larger African rivals,” adding that its nine country awards represent “around a quarter of all continental awards and more than any of its continent-wide peers.”
It also highlighted the geographic breadth of the bank’s achievements, spanning the ECOWAS region, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The awards for Benin and Mozambique were described as particularly competitive.
UBA’s strong financial performance was another factor in its recognition. In 2024, the Group recorded a 46.8% growth in total assets and a 6.1% rise in pre-tax profits (in local currency terms). West Africa remains its strongest market, with operating income and profit surging 87% and 89%, respectively, in the first half of 2025.
The bank’s digital footprint also expanded significantly during the year under review. UBA introduced an Advance Top-Up buy-now-pay-later feature on its *919# USSD platform, and its AI-powered chatbot, Leo, saw transaction volumes rise 29% year-on-year. In August, Leo became the first African banking chatbot to enable cross-border payments via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Reacting to the awards, Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba said the recognition underscores UBA’s long-term focus and customer-centric approach
“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 said.
He added that the nine country awards highlight UBA’s impact across the continent, reaffirming its commitment to financial inclusion, economic development, and technology-driven banking.
UBA is one of Africa’s largest financial employers, with 25,000 staff and over 45 million customers globally. The bank operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, offering retail, commercial and institutional banking services.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
