United Bank for Africa UBA has been recognised SME Bank of the year and Trade finance Bank of the year at the maiden edition of the West Africa Bankers’ Association (WABA) awards held in Free Town over the weekend.
The atmosphere was electric as the West African banking industry gathered to celebrate excellence at the West Africa Bankers’ Awards night, coinciding with the 44th anniversary of the West Africa Bankers’ Association. The Association is a professional organisation representing banking and financial services institutions across West Africa. Established on August 10, 1981, WABA aims to support and develop the West African Clearing House (WACH) and enhance cooperation among commercial and merchant banks in the region to foster trade liberalisation.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) was star of the evening, receiving prestigious awards at the Freetown International Conference Centre.The theme for this year’s awards, “Empowering Excellence: Driving Innovation and Growth in the Banking Sector,” attracted prominent figures from the banking industry, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank Governors, regulators, heads of financial institutions regionally and locally, MDs/CEOs of banks, mobile companies, educational institutions, and respected personalities within the banking and financial sector.
During the event, UBA shone brightly by taking home the coveted “SME Bank of the Year 2023” award. This accolade reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to West Africa’s economy. Additionally, UBA Group’s leadership in trade finance was celebrated with the “UBA Dominance in West African Trade Finance 2023” award.
This recognition underscores UBA’s pivotal role in facilitating and driving trade across the region, contributing to economic growth and development. Adding to the celebration, UBA staff member Didiana Nabil Khalil was honoured with the “Employee of the Year 2023” award. This well-deserved recognition highlights the talent and dedication within the UBA team.
Receiving the awards on behalf of UBA Group, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, MD/CEO of UBA Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to driving financial inclusion and economic prosperity across the continent.
“These awards underscore UBA’s dominance in the financial sector in Africa. As a true Pan-African bank, we will continue to drive business in Sierra Leone and beyond, aligning with our vision to be the undisputed leading financial services institution on the continent,” he stated.
The event reinforced UBA’s standing as a leading financial institution, consistently delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service across its markets. With a strong presence in 20 African countries, UBA remains committed to empowering businesses, facilitating trade, and driving economic transformation across the region.