UBA wins Nigeria’s best ESG, retail bank awards

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been named Nigeria’s Best ESG Bank and Nigeria’s Best Retail Bank at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and underscoring its commitment to sustainable banking and customer-focused innovation.

The prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence, widely regarded as one of the highest accolades in the global banking industry, recognise financial institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, governance, customer service and sustainable business practices.

UBA’s recognition as Nigeria’s Best ESG Bank highlights its leadership in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its business operations. The award acknowledges the bank’s efforts to advance sustainable finance, promote responsible lending, deepen financial inclusion and support climate-conscious investments while maintaining high standards of corporate governance across its operations.

The lender also clinched the award for Nigeria’s Best Retail Bank, reflecting its continued investment in digital transformation and customer-centric banking solutions. Over the years, UBA has expanded access to financial services through its mobile and internet banking platforms, agency banking network and a range of innovative retail products designed to serve individuals and businesses across its markets.

The latest recognition comes as Nigerian banks intensify investments in digital banking, sustainability initiatives and financial inclusion in response to changing customer expectations and evolving regulatory requirements.

With operations in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, France, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, UBA has continued to position itself as a pan-African financial services group focused on leveraging technology to deliver seamless banking services while advancing sustainable economic development.

Industry analysts said the awards reinforce the bank’s strategy of combining digital innovation with responsible banking practices, a model that has enabled it to strengthen its competitive position across Africa and beyond.

The 2026 Euromoney Awards also recognised several other African financial institutions for excellence across various banking categories. Among them, Zenith Bank emerged as Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank, highlighting the growing competitiveness and resilience of the continent’s banking industry.

Analysts believe UBA’s latest achievements will further enhance investor confidence, strengthen customer loyalty and reinforce the bank’s reputation as a leader in retail banking and sustainable finance. The recognition is also expected to support its ambition to deepen financial inclusion, expand its retail footprint and drive long-term value creation across its pan-African operations.

For more than three decades, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence have served as a benchmark for outstanding performance in the global banking sector, celebrating institutions that consistently deliver innovation, operational excellence and long-term value for customers, shareholders and the broader economy.