The Banker Magazine, a renowned global finance news weekly published by the Financial Times of London, has crowned the United Bank of Africa (UBA) as the African bank of the year for 2021 amidst other competitive African banks.

UBA’s creative banking, exceptional customer care, and overall superior service delivery, as well as its role in promoting economic growth across the African continent, provided them an advantage over the competition and ultimately won them the coveted African bank of the year award.

With UBA winning a total of 14 prizes at that ceremony, this is the first time in the nearly 100-year history of The Banker Magazine that any financial group has won as many as 14 accolades in a single year. With its outstanding triumphs as African Bank of the Year and Bank of the Year in 13 countries this year, the UBA Group has smashed records.

The Banker Magazine’s Middle East and Africa Editor, John Everington, stated at the Virtual award ceremony on December 1^st, 2021 that each Bank of the Year award is decided through a thorough and meticulous process, and that the institution’s track record for independence, competence, and authenticity is applied in the process.

“While several African banks impressed the judges this year, there was no doubt as to the worthiest recipient of the Bank of the Year for Africa – UBA Group – a clear winner across a wide range of criteria. UBA has performed impressively across its footprint with a strong financial performance across most of its markets.”
Kennedy Uzoka

Kennedy Uzoka, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, expressed joy at the recognition from The Banker, as well as the amount of work that has gone into getting to this point.

“Like I always say, at UBA, we must be doing something right. Winning 14 total awards in 13 subsidiaries and the Bank of the Year on the African continent is a big achievement.”
Kennedy Uzoka

The Managing Director added that the motivation to treat their customers right and treat their staff right are some of the reasons why they are honored highly.

“The recognitions come as a reassurance that we are on track in consolidating our leadership position in Africa, as we continue to create superior value for all our stakeholders. We have millions of customers across the globe and many thousands of staff to thank for this. They are the very reason why we keep winning.”
Kennedy Uzoka

UBA has gradually infiltrated the African market, and many individuals appear to enjoy their services, attracting a large number of customers to their side. At this rate, they will undoubtedly have Africa’s largest customer base.

The Bank of the Year awards, which have been honoring the best in worldwide banking since 1926, are widely recognized as the industry benchmark for banking excellence. The institutions that have outperformed their peers in terms of effectiveness, corporate strategy, and response to the Covid-19 pandemic are honored in the 2021 edition.

The Banker Magazine is a journal of the Financial Times, which has been publishing financial news since 1888. For high-level decision-makers in international banking, the Banker magazine is the ultimate reference.