Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been recognized as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa at the prestigious African Banker Awards 2024.
This accolade was announced during the annual African Banker Awards, held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside the African Development Bank Annual Meetings. The ceremony gathered over 300 of the continent’s most influential figures in banking and finance.
UBA’s recognition as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa marks a significant milestone, especially as the bank celebrates its 75th anniversary. This honor solidifies UBA’s legacy as Africa’s Global Bank, underlining its commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in the financial landscape of the continent.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, UBA Kenya’s Managing Director and Executive Officer, Ms. Mary Mulili, highlighted the significance of this achievement. “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the entire UBA team. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our unwavering focus on delivering value to our customers,” she said.
Ms. Mulili emphasized that the award reinforces UBA’s position as a leading global financial institution with a deep understanding of the African market and a robust international network.
“This award showcases our ability to serve as the bridge between Africa and the world, providing seamless financial solutions that drive growth and prosperity. As we celebrate 75 years of UBA, we remain committed to inspiring innovation, growth, and excellence. This award is not just a recognition of our past achievement but a motivation to continue striving for greatness in the years to come.”
Ms. Mary Mulili
Critical Role of Banks and Financial Institutions In Financing Growth
The Chair of the Awards Committee, Omar Ben Yedder, in his speech, acknowledged the critical role of banks and financial institutions in financing growth, especially amid the retreat of international banks from the continent.
“We are seeing a coalition of DFIs taking shape and these will have to see considerable capital increases to plug the gap in infrastructure, trade, climate, and also SME financing. We are also seeing further reform and new capital requirements for banks. This will lead to bigger banks and we have seen how the likes of UBA play a role in financing big conglomerates and large infrastructure projects, something unimaginable two decades ago.”
Omar Ben Yedder
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services. The bank leads in financial inclusion and implements cutting-edge technology to enhance its services.
UBA’s extensive presence and its commitment to delivering value have been critical to its success. The bank’s ability to provide tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of its diverse clientele has positioned it as a preferred partner in the region. This award from the African Banker Magazine is a testament to UBA’s strategic vision and its effective execution.
As UBA celebrates its 75th year, this recognition serves as both a celebration of its enduring legacy and a springboard for future achievements. The bank’s journey from its inception to becoming a global financial powerhouse is a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With this award, UBA is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and impact, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the African banking sector.
UBA’s recognition as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa is a reflection of the bank’s strategic vision, its commitment to innovation, and its role as a catalyst for economic growth and development across the continent.
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