Euromoney Declares UBA Nigeria’s Best ESG, Retail Bank

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been recognised as the Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) by Euromoney.

The Nigerian lender got this accolade at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom.

The recognition of UBA for its retail banking excellence and sustainability leadership highlights its outstanding financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices, underscoring the company’s leadership in driving sustainable finance while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.

Euromoney declared that UBA distinguished itself through significant strides in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy, a N5 billion financing programme in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses, and its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The organisers of the awards also highlighted UBA’s efforts to embed sustainability within its operations through 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 continued 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 N429.5 billion.

The awards also acknowledged UBA’s continued digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning 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 (PAPSS).

“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.

“At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives. These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality,” the chief executive of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba, stated.

On her part, the Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications at UBA, Ms Alero Ladipo, said, “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.

“Whether it is supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, advancing clean energy financing or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact. We are honoured that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognised these efforts.”