United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has strengthened its standing in West Africa’s financial services industry after receiving the Best Commercial Bank in West Africa for 2025 award at the second annual West African Bankers’ Awards, held on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Bintumani Freetown International Conference Centre in Sierra Leone.

The recognition, presented by the West African Bankers’ Association (WABA), highlighted UBA Group’s contributions to the banking industry, its regional presence and its continued efforts to promote financial services across African markets.

The prestigious award was received on behalf of UBA Group by the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, Francis Esiemokhai, during a ceremony attended by prominent banking executives, financial sector stakeholders, policymakers and distinguished personalities from across the sub-region.

The occasion brought additional recognition for UBA Sierra Leone when its Head of Operations, Mohamed Fofanah, emerged as the recipient of the Best Staff of the Year 2025 award in the Local Banks category.

Mohamed Fofanah’s individual achievement recognised his professional contribution to the institution and underscored the importance of dedicated personnel in maintaining operational efficiency, service delivery and institutional performance.

The two awards represented a significant moment for UBA, combining recognition of the Group’s regional banking performance with an individual honour for one of its Sierra Leonean executives.

The awards ceremony also marked the 45th anniversary of the West African Bankers’ Association, providing an opportunity for financial sector leaders to reflect on the organization’s contributions to banking cooperation, professional development and financial integration within West Africa.

Over the years, regional banking collaboration has remained an important component of efforts to strengthen financial institutions, facilitate cross-border transactions and support economic development among member countries.

The celebration therefore served not only as an occasion to honour outstanding banking institutions and professionals but also as a platform for promoting stronger partnerships and cooperation within the financial services industry.

Among the distinguished personalities that attended the event was the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Dr Fatima Maada Bio, who emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment in building stronger institutions and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

In her remarks, the First Lady drew attention to the growing influence of women in the banking sector and other areas of national development, highlighting their leadership abilities, professional competence and contributions to economic transformation.

She underscored the need to create opportunities that enable women to participate meaningfully in entrepreneurship, employment and institutional decision-making.

Her intervention reinforced the broader message that inclusive economic participation remains essential to strengthening financial institutions and promoting sustainable development across the region.

Other speakers, including Madam Shola Taylor Pearce and Madam Isatu Jawara, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of unity, professional collaboration and women’s empowerment in advancing institutional growth.

Their contributions reflected the increasing recognition of diversity, inclusion and cooperation as important elements in building resilient banking institutions capable of responding to changing economic conditions.

UBA Sierra Leone maintained a strong presence at the ceremony, with its Board Chairman, Desmond William, Non-Executive Director, Hugh Kweku Fraser and members of the Executive Management Committee participating in the event.

Their attendance demonstrated the institution’s commitment to maintaining engagement with regional banking stakeholders and supporting initiatives that promote professional excellence within the financial sector.

For UBA Group, the regional award represents another significant recognition of its efforts to strengthen banking operations, promote innovation and provide financial solutions to individuals, businesses and institutions.

The recognition also draws attention to the role of commercial banks in facilitating trade, encouraging investment, supporting entrepreneurship and expanding access to financial services.

As African economies continue to pursue greater financial integration, banking institutions such as UBA remain important participants in efforts to connect markets, mobilize capital and support commercial activities across national boundaries.

At the national level, Mohamed Fofanah’s individual award brings additional distinction to UBA Sierra Leone and highlights the contribution of its workforce to the institution’s operations.

His recognition serves as an example of how professional dedication, operational leadership and consistent performance can earn acknowledgement beyond individual banking institutions.

The 2026 West African Bankers’ Awards ultimately provided an important platform for celebrating achievements within the financial services industry while encouraging institutions to maintain high standards of professionalism, innovation and customer service.

For UBA Group and its Sierra Leonean subsidiary, the double recognition marks a notable achievement and reinforces their stated commitment to delivering quality banking services, supporting economic development and creating lasting value for customers and communities across Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/66100