UBA GROUP NAMED BEST COMMERCIAL BANK IN WEST AFRICA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has been named Best Commercial Bank in West Africa for 2025 at the second annual West African Bankers’ Awards, held at the Bintumani Freetown International Conference Centre on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The award, presented by the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA), was received on behalf of the Group by Francis Esiemokhai, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone.
UBA secured a second honour when Mohamed Fofanah, Head of Operations at UBA Sierra Leone, received the Best Staff of the Year 2025 – Local Banks award in recognition of his contribution to the bank.
The ceremony also marked WABA’s 45th anniversary, bringing together leading figures in West Africa’s financial sector to recognise contributions to banking development, financial integration and industry excellence.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, attended the event and highlighted women’s empowerment as a catalyst for stronger institutions, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. She also acknowledged women’s intelligence, leadership and growing contributions within the banking industry and beyond. Other speakers, including Madam Shola Taylor Pearce and Madam Isatu Jawara, emphasised unity, collaboration and women’s empowerment as drivers of institutional growth and sustainable development.
UBA Sierra Leone’s delegation included Board Chairman Desmond William, Non-Executive Director Hugh Kweku Fraser and members of the Executive Management Committee. The two awards recognised UBA at both group and local staff levels during the regional banking ceremony.