UBA Wins African Banking Innovation Award for AI Payments
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has won the African category at the 2026 Banker Technology Awards, earning recognition for its digital banking innovations, AI-powered customer engagement tools, and cross-border payment capabilities across more than 20 African markets.
The recognition highlights UBA’s growing role in advancing digital banking infrastructure and financial interoperability across the continent.
UBA Banking Innovation Award Recognises AI-Powered Payments
The award was largely driven by UBA’s integration of its AI-powered chatbot, Leo, with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
The integration enables customers to initiate cross-border transfers using local currencies through a conversational banking interface, reducing reliance on traditional banking channels and simplifying international transactions across African markets.
According to The Banker, UBA distinguished itself by placing technology at the centre of its growth strategy, particularly in digital payments, e-business services, and AI-enabled customer engagement.
Cross-Border Banking Remains a Strategic Priority
Speaking after receiving the award, UBA Executive Director Designate for Digital Banking, Emmanuel Lamptey, said the future of African banking will depend on interoperability, intelligence and trust.
Lamptey noted that solutions such as Leo are helping to address long-standing challenges associated with cross-border payments, including high transaction costs and settlement delays.
The development aligns with broader continental efforts to strengthen intra-African trade through improved payment infrastructure and financial integration.
UBA Upgrades RedApp Mobile Banking Platform
Alongside the award announcement, UBA unveiled a major upgrade to its RedApp mobile banking application.
The redesigned platform introduces improved speed, navigation and user experience enhancements aimed at supporting the bank’s growing digital customer base across multiple African markets.
UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, described the upgraded application as a significant step in the bank’s digital transformation strategy.
Why the UBA Banking Innovation Award Matters
The recognition reflects the increasing role of artificial intelligence and interoperable payment systems in shaping the future of African banking.
As financial institutions accelerate investments in digital infrastructure, awards such as the Banker Technology Awards highlight how banks are moving beyond traditional services to build technology-driven ecosystems capable of supporting regional trade, financial inclusion and cross-border commerce.
