UBA Receives Prestigious 2026 'Banker Technology' Honor for Artificial Intelligence Achievements, Unveils Enhanced Mobile Banking Platform

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has emerged victorious in the African category at the 2026 Banker Technology Awards, garnering recognition for its groundbreaking innovations in digital payments, e-business, and the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence to facilitate seamless cross-border banking operations across over 20 African markets.

n

The Banker's assessment of UBA's winning entry highlighted the bank's commitment to placing technology at the core of its growth strategy, spanning more than 20 countries, with a notable emphasis on cross-border transfers, digital payments, AI-driven engagement, and e-business.

n

UBA's award-winning approach centres on the integration of its AI-powered chatbot, Leo, with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), enabling customers to seamlessly send funds across borders in local currencies via a conversational interface.

n

Emmanuel Lamptey, UBA's Executive Director Designate, Digital Banking, accepted the award on behalf of the bank, underscoring the institution's vision to fully digitise banking across the African continent, asserting that the future of finance in Africa will be built on intelligence, interoperability, and trust at scale.

n

Lamptey noted that the bank's investment in Leo was a deliberate response to the historical costs and friction associated with cross-border payments on the continent, highlighting that Leo reduces friction at the point of transaction, eliminating the need for traditional banking channels without requiring customers to alter their communication habits.

n

Concurrently with the award, UBA has relaunched its RedApp mobile banking platform, following a comprehensive upgrade aimed at delivering a faster, more intuitive digital banking experience for customers across the bank's markets.