United Bank for Africa Plc has secured the prestigious African Bank of the Year 2025 award from The Banker magazine. This marks the third time UBA has received this continental honour within the last five years. The bank also achieved significant recognition for its operations across the continent.
UBA notably claimed nine additional Best Bank of the Year awards in several of its African subsidiaries. These country-specific accolades demonstrate widespread excellence in diverse markets. The winning countries include Benin, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia.
This brings UBA’s total awards for the year to an impressive ten, showcasing its strong regional presence. The Banker’s Bank of the Year ceremony took place at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel in London. Officials from the bank attended the event.
Deji Adeyelure, UBA UK’s Chief Executive Officer, accepted the awards on behalf of Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba. He was joined by Mark Ifashe, UBA’s Head of Business Development, and Shilpam Jha, Head of Financial Institutions. Their presence underscored the significance of the recognition.
The Banker highlighted UBA Group’s consistent performance against larger continental competitors. It stated that UBA frequently “punches above its weight” in the highly competitive African banking landscape. This consistent achievement underscores the bank’s strategic effectiveness.
The publication further noted UBA’s remarkable nine country awards this year. This total represents an increase from its last continental win in 2024. These awards constitute approximately a quarter of all country awards for the continent, surpassing any of its pan-African rivals.
The geographical spread of UBA’s country awards was particularly noteworthy. Wins occurred across various economic blocs, including ECOWAS, CEMAC, and SADC regions. This broad recognition reflects UBA’s strong operational footprint across diverse African economies.
Awards were secured in West African nations like Benin, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Mali, a former ECOWAS member, also earned an award for UBA. Central African wins included Chad and the Republic of Congo, while Mozambique and Zambia represented southern Africa.
The Banker specifically commended UBA’s exceptional performance in Benin and Mozambique. These particular wins underscore the bank’s deep market penetration and customer trust in these territories. Such detailed recognition adds weight to UBA’s overall achievements.
The magazine also acknowledged UBA’s robust financial performance and ambitious growth strategies. In 2024, the Group reported a substantial 46.8 percent increase in assets. It also recorded a 6.1 percent rise in pre-tax profits, measured in local currency terms.
UBA continued its strategic investment in talent development and advanced technology during this period. These ongoing investments support sustained growth and operational efficiency. They also enhance the bank’s service delivery across its vast network.
West Africa remains a core market and “heartland” for UBA’s operations. This region delivered particularly strong results in the first half of 2025. Operating revenue surged by 87 percent, demonstrating significant market expansion and client acquisition.
Profits in West Africa also climbed by an impressive 89 percent during the same period. These figures highlight the critical role this region plays in UBA’s overall success. They also validate the bank’s focused investment strategies there.
UBA’s commitment to digital innovation received special mention from The Banker. The publication highlighted the “Advance Top-Up” buy-now-pay-later feature on the 919 USSD platform. This service enhances accessibility for many customers.
The bank’s popular chatbot, Leo, also demonstrated significant growth and increased utility. Leo’s transaction volumes saw a 29 percent rise in the first half of 2025. This underscores its growing importance in UBA’s digital ecosystem.
Leo has expanded its capabilities to include cross-border payments through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). This integration facilitates seamless transactions across African borders. It represents a significant step towards continental financial integration.
Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director, expressed profound satisfaction with the awards. He stated that this widespread recognition aligns perfectly with the bank’s ambitious long-term strategic plans. This validation confirms their focused efforts.
Mr. Alawuba further explained that the honour reflects the strength of UBA’s extensive Pan-African network. It also underscores the deep trust customers place in the institution. The dedication of UBA’s employees contributes significantly to these achievements.
He emphasised that winning Africa’s Bank of the Year for the third time in five years is not mere coincidence. Alawuba attributed this consistent success to disciplined execution and continuous innovation. A deep understanding of the diverse markets served also plays a crucial role.
Alawuba highlighted that the nine country awards across varied African regions indicate UBA’s impactful growth. He reiterated the bank’s commitment to driving financial inclusion across the continent. This involves expanding access to essential banking services.
UBA also remains dedicated to supporting economic development initiatives throughout Africa. The bank actively deploys cutting-edge technology to achieve its goals. This technology makes banking simpler, faster, and more accessible for all Africans.
UBA operates an extensive network spanning 20 African countries. Beyond Africa, the bank maintains a significant international presence. This includes operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bank currently employs a workforce of 25,000 individuals across its entire group. It serves a global customer base exceeding 45 million people. These figures underscore UBA’s substantial scale and impact on the global financial landscape.
