By Stephen Simon
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been named the African winner at the 2026 Banker Technology Awards, earning global recognition for its innovative use of digital technology, artificial intelligence and cross-border payment solutions to enhance banking services across the continent.
The prestigious awards, organised by The Banker, attracted nearly 200 entries from financial institutions worldwide across 17 regional and product categories. Winners were selected based on their success in leveraging technology to improve banking operations, customer engagement, payments, compliance and financial inclusion.
Announcing UBA as the African category winner, The Banker praised the bank’s technology-driven growth strategy and its commitment to placing innovation at the heart of its operations across more than 20 countries.
According to the publication, UBA has strengthened its position as a leading digital financial institution through investments in digital payments, artificial intelligence-powered customer engagement and e-business solutions, particularly in the area of cross-border financial transactions.
A major factor behind the bank’s recognition was the integration of Leo, UBA’s AI-powered chatbot, with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). The innovation allows customers to initiate and complete cross-border transfers in local currencies through a simple conversational interface, reducing reliance on traditional banking channels and simplifying transactions across African markets.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Executive Director Designate, Digital Banking, Emmanuel Lamptey, described the recognition as an endorsement of UBA’s vision for a digitally connected Africa.
“Africa’s financial future will not be built on branches or borders. It will be built on intelligence, interoperability and trust at scale,” Lamptey said, noting that the bank’s investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are helping to eliminate longstanding barriers that have made cross-border payments slow and expensive.
He added that the integration of Leo with PAPSS enables customers to carry out transactions through platforms they already use and trust, thereby reducing friction and improving access to financial services across the continent.
Also commenting on the achievement, UBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the award reflects the bank’s deliberate investment in technology as a driver of economic growth, customer empowerment and financial inclusion.
“This recognition by The Banker validates our commitment to building seamless, secure and intelligent banking solutions that connect people, businesses and markets across Africa. It reinforces our vision of creating a truly integrated African financial ecosystem,” Alawuba said.
In a further demonstration of its digital transformation agenda, UBA announced the relaunch of its flagship mobile banking platform, RedApp, following a comprehensive upgrade aimed at delivering a faster, smarter and more intuitive user experience.
The upgraded application features improved speed, enhanced navigation, expanded functionality and a more user-friendly interface, allowing customers to manage their accounts, make transfers, pay bills and access banking services more efficiently.
Speaking on the relaunch, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the redesigned platform reflects the bank’s commitment to aligning its digital offerings with customers’ evolving needs.
“At UBA, we are constantly redefining what digital banking should look and feel like. The upgraded RedApp has been designed around our customers’ lifestyles, delivering a faster, cleaner and more person…
