UBA wins dual Euromoney awards for retail banking and ESG leadership
United Bank for Africa secured dual honors at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, highlighting its retail growth and sustainability leadership.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has turned heads in the global banking arena, clinching both the Best Bank for Retail and Best Bank for Sustainability Leadership (ESG) titles at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The double win, announced on 17 July 2026 at The Peninsula London, signals that the African‑focused lender is translating its sustainability agenda into tangible commercial growth at a moment when investors and regulators alike are demanding greener, more inclusive finance.
The awards, which celebrate banks that deliver strong financial performance, customer impact and innovative practice, spotlight UBA’s aggressive push into green financing, digital banking and pan‑African payments. By pairing a soaring retail franchise with a sweeping ESG strategy, the bank demonstrates that “sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing,” a point underscored by senior executives during the ceremony.
Media additions
"To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing."
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO, via Businessday
UBA’s senior leadership said the accolades belong as much to customers as to staff, a sentiment echoed by the Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications.
"These awards are a powerful affirmation of our Customer First philosophy. Every innovation we introduce, every solution we develop and every investment we make is driven by our desire to create exceptional value for our customers."
Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, via Businessday
What the awards celebrate
- Green Financing Facility – a new fund to help households and businesses shift to renewable energy.
- N5 billion partnership with the Bank of Industry – designed to empower women‑owned enterprises across the continent.
- Solar‑powered solutions installed in 50 branches, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
- ESG capacity‑building programmes that have trained more than 16 000 employees across the Group.
- Net‑zero pledge – a public commitment to achieve net‑zero emissions by 2050.
Retail banking boom
In the same year, Euromoney highlighted UBA’s rapid expansion of its retail franchise. By the close of 2025 the bank counted over 37 million customers, and retail revenue had surged to N429.5 billion – an increase of more than four‑fold from the previous year. The growth is anchored by digital innovation, most notably the AI‑powered chatbot LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial‑intelligence platform to enable cross‑border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan‑African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Timeline of key milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2025 end | Customer base surpasses 37 million. |
| 2025 end | Retail revenue reaches N429.5 billion. |
| 2025 year | Launch of Green Financing Facility. |
| 2025 year | Bank of Industry partnership delivers N5 billion to women‑owned businesses. |
| 2025 year | Solar installations completed at 50 branches. |
| 2025 year | ESG training reaches 16 000 employees. |
| 2026 17 July | Euromoney Awards ceremony in London bestows dual honors. |
Why the win matters now
The dual recognition arrives as Africa’s banking sector grapples with rising climate‑related risks, tighter capital regulations and a digital‑first customer base. UBA’s blend of green financing and large‑scale retail outreach offers a template for peers seeking to lock in growth while meeting ESG expectations. Moreover, the awards amplify UBA’s brand on the global stage, potentially easing access to international capital and partnership opportunities.
Industry analysts note that banks which can demonstrate concrete ESG outcomes—such as renewable‑energy financing and gender‑focused credit lines—are better positioned to satisfy the evolving criteria of sovereign wealth funds and climate‑focused investors. UBA’s record of training staff in ESG fundamentals further differentiates it from competitors that treat sustainability as a peripheral add‑on.
What to watch next
With operations in 20 African nations and a footprint that stretches to the United Kingdom, United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA now serves more than 45 million customers worldwide. The dual Euromoney accolades not only validate the bank’s current strategy but also set the stage for a new phase of growth – one where financial inclusion, digital innovation and climate responsibility are pursued hand‑in‑hand.
For continued coverage of UBA’s journey and other world‑banking stories, stay tuned to Newsarchy UK World.
