Banking
UBA Flies High at The Banker Awards 2017, Emerges African Bank of The Year
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has once again proven its leadership on the continent as the financial institution to beat.
Over the weekend, the Banker Magazine, which organises The Banker Awards, described as the Oscars of the Financial Industry, crowned UBA as the ‘African Bank of the Year 2017’, making it the best lender in Africa.
This Banker Award is premier for Nigeria, as it marks the first time a Nigerian-headquartered bank will be wining the prestigious and highly coveted regional award.
To further demonstrate the group’s strength and dominance in the financial sector on the continent, four of UBA Group’s operations in Africa also led contenders in their respective countries to emerge the Best Bank of the Year 2017 in their respective markets.
At the event, UBA Congo, UBA Tchad, UBA Gabon and UBA Senegal emerged the Best Bank of the Year in Congo, Tchad, Gabon and Senegal, reinforcing the strong franchise of the Group across its chosen markets in Africa.
Notably, UBA Gabon and UBA Senegal won the same awards in 2016, as both subsidiaries of UBA Group remain the Banks to beat in Gabon and Senegal.
A publication of the Financial Times Newspaper, The Banker Magazine is a global financial intelligence magazine that provides global bank ratings/analysis and it is the definitive reference in international banking for high level decision makers globally.
According to the magazine, the aim of the award “is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community. The winner is selected from participating banks in each of the 120 countries from which entries are received for the competition.”
Explaining the rationale behind UBA carting multiple categories in its December issue, the Banker’s Magazine noted that Africa’s economic landscape has been unpredictable in recent times which resulted in recession in some of Africa’s best performing economies, while the region as a whole only expanded by about 1.3 percent in 2016.
“In these conditions only the most diversified and innovative of regional banks can prosper. And this is precisely why the United Bank for Africa (UBA) has scooped the 2017 regional winner award. For one, the lender registered impressive top- and bottom-line growth over the review period,” it noted.
The magazine went further to enumerate the various achievements recorded by UBA group during the period, noting that earnings for the year reached N384 billion ($1.07 billion) signalling 22 percent growth from its 2015 performance while profit before tax also grew, by 32 percent, to reach N91 billion.
According to the organisers, “Equally impressive is UBA’s capital adequacy ratio which, at the end of 2016, stood at 20 percent, while its non-performing loan ratio was a healthy 3.9 percent. Operating across 19 markets in Africa, the bank serves more than 14 million customers.”
It added that the Pan-African bank’s foray into various ventures in Africa also helped to clinch its activities in the year under consideration, stating, “Beyond the numbers, the bank has won and acted on a number of headline deals.
“These include the financing a new stadium in Douala, Cameroon, for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for $285 million.
“In Senegal, more than $250 million of trade finance was provided to the state oil company, while the lender acted as arranger and bank agent in the raising of $160 million to finance road infrastructure. The bank’s digital tax collection solutions are also helping regional governments in Senegal and Burkina Faso.”
The organisers noted that UBA is making impressive strides in the digital space, adding that in terms of internet banking, the organisation processed 7 million transactions valued at more than N600 billion in 2016.
Mobile banking processed transactions valued at N70 billion over the same period. UBA has also launched eMailMoni, a service that lets customers transfer funds via e-mail, while Chat Banking allows clients to perform basic transactions through social media platforms.
“For these reasons, and others, UBA is the winner of our 2017 African Bank of the Year award,” the Magazine stated.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, who was delighted by the recognition from The Bankers, stated that, “These awards mark another milestone for UBA Group and is a testament of the diligent execution of the bank’s strategic initiatives on customer service.
“Being recognized as Africa’s best bank complements positive feedback from customers and is a recognition of our improving efficiencies, service quality and innovation.
“I therefore dedicate it to our growing loyal corporate and retail customers, who are our essence. Given our heritage commitment to Africa’s development, we continue to impact lives through our service as well as funding to individuals, businesses and government.”
Mr Uzoka added that, “The bank remains focused on its goal of democratizing banking in Africa, leveraging on new technologies and our rich pool of talent. It is satisfying that our efforts towards leadership are yielding great results.”
“We continue to gain market share across our chosen markets, as we deepen financial inclusion, meeting basic and complex financial service needs of the growing African population. We are Africans and determined to change the narrative of financial services in Africa and this is just the beginning,” he noted.
On his part, Mr Emeke Iweriebor, Regional CEO, UBA Francophone Africa, described the awards as exciting, stating that the bank’s great work in Africa is increasingly being recognized.
Mr Iweriebor who dedicated the awards to the bank’s esteemed customers, said, “Our pioneering innovations in the African banking sector are undoubtedly critical to the growth and development of the continent. Africa’s banking sector has come a long way but we still have a lot to do. We at UBA Group are dedicated to being a critical part of this transformation.”
He added that the bank will continue to leverage its local knowledge, global exposure as well as presence to drive positive change in Africa, working actively with the government, local businesses, regulators and other stakeholders in deepening financial services.
The Banker Award’s “Bank of the Year Awards” are widely regarded as the Oscars of the Banking Industry.
For 90 years, The Banker has been the world’s leading monthly journal of record for the banking industry. The organisers note that the aim of the awards programme is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community.
The Banker selects one winning bank for each of the 120 countries that are covered. Over 1,000 applications are entered and judges select winning banks based on the ones that have made most progress over the past 12 months.
UBA was incorporated in Nigeria as a limited liability company after taking over the assets of the British and French Bank Limited who had been operating in Nigeria since 1949. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc merged with Standard Trust Bank in 2005 and from a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria – Africa’s largest economy – UBA has become one of the leading providers of banking and other financial services on the African continent. The Bank provides services to over 14 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 1,000 branches and customer touch points and robust online and mobile banking platforms.
UBA was the first Nigerian bank to make an Initial Public Offering, following its listing on the NSE in1970. It was also the first Nigerian bank to issue Global Depository Receipts. The shares of UBA are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Bank has a well-diversified shareholder base, which includes foreign and local institutional investors, as well as individual shareholders.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top financial services provider in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, has reiterated its commitment to empowering businesses, strengthening key sectors and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.
This came on the back of the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Business Summit from Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders across multiple sectors to explore sustainable business practices, foster economic growth and unlock global trade opportunities.
With the theme, Nigeria Means Business: Powering Sectors, Growing Sustainable SMEs & Unlocking Global Trade, the summit addressed critical issues across key sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, trade and Africa–China banking, as well as ICT and telecommunications. Additional sessions covered areas such as family business sustainability, artificial intelligence, employee value banking, insurance, pension and wealth management.
The event featured a keynote address by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to reposition itself as a leading export-driven economy to achieve sustained growth.
“Our true potential lies in becoming a leading export economy,” Edun stated. “Increased participation in regional and global trade will be critical to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and driving inclusive growth.”
He noted that while Nigeria’s GDP growth has improved to approximately 4 per cent, it remains below the level required to significantly reduce poverty. According to him, the country’s economic strategy is now shifting from stabilisation to growth acceleration, with trade expansion playing a central role.
Mr Edun highlighted ongoing reforms, including improved foreign reserves, rising non-oil revenues and renewed investor confidence, as indicators of a more resilient economy. However, he stressed that enhancing trade competitiveness would require continued investment in infrastructure, logistics and policy coordination.
He also highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 90 per cent of businesses, noting that inclusive growth will depend on stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Participants engaged in a rich line-up of activities, including expert presentations, panel discussions and high-level networking opportunities. Highlights of the summit included the Africa Trade Barometer presentation, client testimonial showcases and insightful discussions on the state of the African economy and intra-African trade opportunities.
Breakout sessions on agribusiness, ICT and healthcare, Africa-China banking and trade, as well as renewable energy, provided attendees with deeper, practical insights into some of the most critical sectors driving Nigeria’s economic future.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, represented by the organisation’s Chief Finance and Value Management Officer, Mr Kunle Adedeji, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth.
“This summit has reinforced the importance of creating platforms where ideas can flourish, and businesses can grow sustainably. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive economic advancement across Nigeria and the African continent,” he said.
The summit also spotlighted practical strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations, encouraging organisations to adopt environmentally conscious practices while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.
Mr Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business & Commercial Banking, expressed satisfaction at the level of interest from participants, a critical element for a successful summit.
“From our conversations on energy and healthcare to the deep dives into trade, Africa-China relations, and agribusiness, Day 1 has offered perspectives that were both insightful and practical. I believe we’re all leaving with a stronger understanding of the opportunities emerging across our industries,” he said.
He acknowledged the level of engagement, questions, contributions and willingness of participants to share experiences, describing this as the real power of the Nigeria Business Summit, and a solid foundation for tomorrow.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, who was represented by Mrs Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, opened Day Two of the Nigeria Business Summit by highlighting the focus of the summit’s SME Day.
“Today, we build on Day One’s momentum with conversations that are equally critical for the future – from the dynamics of family businesses to the growing influence of artificial intelligence; the evolution of insurance, and the emerging space of electric vehicle banking.”
She further added, “Our goal on Day Two is simple: to explore what’s next. To understand how these developments will shape our businesses and how we can position ourselves ahead of the curve.”
By Dipo Olowookere
Tech enthusiasts interested in participating in the Take on Squad Hackathon, organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, can now enter the contest via the official portal at https://squadco.com/hackathon.
The programme enters its third edition in 2026, and the theme for this year is Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy, according to a statement issued by the organisers.
The hackathon brings together developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors, including financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion.
Participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money.
It is part of the organisation’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
“Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve.
“Through Take on Squad Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future.
“Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact.
“This reflects GTCO’s role as a financial services platform that connects capital, capability, and creativity to drive sustainable progress,” the Managing Director of HabariPay, Ms Eduofon Japhet, stated.
The social coding event remains a cornerstone of HabariPay’s mission to foster creativity and problem-solving among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital tools that address everyday challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
Through initiatives such as this, GTCO continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, technology and enterprise, actively shaping the future of digital transformation in Africa.
By Dipo Olowookere
Banking services will not be interrupted throughout the Easter public holidays, from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6, 2026, for any reason, Ecobank Nigeria has assured its customers.
In a message over the weekend, the member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, said customers would continue to enjoy quality service delivery during the period.
It noted that its secure and robust digital platforms would remain fully operational to support financial activities during the festive period.
All digital channels, including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point agent locations nationwide, will remain accessible throughout the holiday, the financial institution further said, urging customers to conveniently conduct transactions at any time using this wide range of digital solutions.
Ecobank customers were encouraged to maximise the bank’s alternative channels for transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, card services, and account management.
They were also advised to stay vigilant by shopping only on trusted websites; avoiding the sharing of PINs, passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs); refraining from banking on public Wi-Fi networks; being cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages; and regularly monitoring their account activity.
“Customers will continue to enjoy a full bouquet of services during the holiday, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments, airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance enquiries, account statements, and cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs,” the Head of Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Victor Yalokwu, stated.
“We understand that festive seasons come with increased financial activity, and our priority is to ensure our customers enjoy fast, reliable, and secure banking wherever they are.
“Our digital channels are designed to support uninterrupted transactions, and we have strengthened our systems to guarantee optimal performance throughout the Easter break,” he added.
Mr Yalokwu noted that, “Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service. We wish all our customers and partners a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.”
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