United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc secured top accolades at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence held on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London. UBA claimed Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership, while Zenith Bank captured Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank.
UBA Takes Retail and Sustainability Honours in London
United Bank for Africa Plc cemented its position as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions after emerging as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The awards, presented in the United Kingdom, celebrate banking institutions that demonstrate outstanding financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.
According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through significant strides in environmental, social and governance performance. The lender launched a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy, alongside a ₦5 billion financing programme in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses. The publication also highlighted UBA’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches, and comprehensive ESG capacity-building initiatives that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.
In the retail banking category, Euromoney recognised UBA’s expansion as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The Bank grew its customer base to over 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail revenue more than quadrupled to ₦429.5 billion. Digital innovation also played a central role in the recognition, particularly the enhancement of the AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.
“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/Chief Executive Officer, UBA
Zenith Bank Claims Continental and National Crowns
While UBA swept the retail and ESG categories, Zenith Bank Plc captured the evening’s premier titles. The institution was named Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank, with the latter honour marking its second consecutive year receiving the national title. The awards were presented at The Peninsula London Hotel.
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The dual recognition reflects the bank’s sustained excellence in financial performance, customer service, digital innovation, and its contribution to economic development across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
“We are deeply honoured by these recognitions from Euromoney. Being recognised as Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our unicorn workforce, and our unwavering commitment to building a truly African global financial institution.”
Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc
Umeoji dedicated the award to the founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, thanking him for his vision and excellence. She also commended regulators across the jurisdictions where the bank operates for providing an enabling regulatory environment.
Wema Bank Score Major Category Wins
The 2026 Euromoney awards also spotlighted specialised excellence across Nigeria’s financial sector. Wema Bank was named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 in recognition of its leadership in digital banking innovation, customer experience, and financial inclusion.
Photo: Daily Trust
According to the organisers, Wema Bank earned the distinction through its sustained digital transformation, anchored by ALAT, described as Africa’s first fully digital bank. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Moruf Oseni noted that the institution’s strategy focused on building solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer, and more rewarding rather than deploying technology for its own sake.
Leadership Perspectives on Customer-Centric Growth
“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.”
Photo: Punchng
Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, UBA
Financial Metrics and Market Standing
Similarly, UBA reported its retail revenue more than quadrupled to ₦429.5 billion as its active customer base expanded past 37 million accounts by the close of 2025.
