United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been named the African regional winner at the 2026 Banker Technology Awards, receiving recognition for its use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance banking services across the continent.
The award highlights UBA’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its digital banking operations, particularly in cross-border payments, customer engagement, and e-business services spanning more than 20 African markets.
According to the award organisers, the bank’s technology-driven approach has helped strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading digital banking institutions.
A key factor behind the recognition was UBA’s deployment of Leo, its AI-powered virtual banking assistant, alongside its integration with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
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The solution enables customers to initiate cross-border transactions using local currencies through a conversational banking interface, reducing friction associated with traditional payment channels.
The Banker Technology Awards, organised by The Banker, a Financial Times publication, recognise financial institutions that demonstrate innovation, transformation, and measurable impact through technology initiatives.
The 2026 edition attracted nearly 200 submissions across multiple global and regional categories, reflecting growing adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital infrastructure within the banking industry.
Speaking on the achievement, UBA executives described the recognition as validation of the bank’s commitment to digital transformation and technology-led financial inclusion.
The bank has continued investing in AI-driven solutions aimed at improving customer experience, streamlining operations, and expanding access to financial services across Africa.
The award comes amid increasing competition among African financial institutions to leverage artificial intelligence in areas such as payments, fraud detection, customer support, and risk management. Industry analysts say banks that successfully integrate AI into core services are likely to gain a competitive advantage as digital banking adoption accelerates across the continent.
Alongside the award announcement, UBA also unveiled an upgraded version of its mobile banking application, part of its broader strategy to enhance digital customer experiences and strengthen its technology ecosystem.
The development underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in Africa’s financial services sector and highlights how leading banks are using emerging technologies to improve efficiency, expand access, and support seamless cross-border commerce.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.