UBA Group Named Best Commercial Bank in West Africa at 2025 WABA Awards
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has been named Best Commercial Bank in West Africa for 2025 at the 2nd Annual West African Bankers’ Awards, held on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Bintumani Freetown International Conference Centre in Sierra Leone.
The prestigious accolade, presented by the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA), was received on behalf of the UBA Group by Francis Esiemokhai, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone.
In a further recognition of the Bank’s outstanding performance and professional excellence, Mohamed Fofanah, Head of Operations at UBA Sierra Leone, was also named Best Staff of the Year 2025 – Local Banks, in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the institution.
The awards ceremony, which coincided with WABA’s 45th anniversary, brought together prominent stakeholders from across the West African financial sector to celebrate excellence, recognise industry leadership and highlight contributions towards banking development and regional financial integration.
The event was graced by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, who underscored the importance of women’s empowerment in strengthening institutions, promoting entrepreneurship and expanding employment opportunities. She also highlighted the growing influence, leadership and contributions of women within the banking industry and other sectors.
Other distinguished speakers, including Madam Shola Taylor Pearce and Madam Isatu Jawara, reinforced the importance of unity, collaboration and women’s empowerment as critical pillars for institutional advancement and sustainable development.
UBA Sierra Leone was represented at the ceremony by its Board Chairman, Desmond William; Non-Executive Director, Hugh Kweku Fraser; and members of the Executive Management Committee.
The double recognition marks another significant milestone for the UBA Group, further strengthening its reputation as a leading financial institution in West Africa. It also underscores the Bank’s continued commitment to operational excellence, innovation, customer satisfaction and delivering sustainable value to communities across Africa.
