UBA wins 2026 ‘Banker Technology’ award for AI innovation, launches upgraded app

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been named the winner of the African category at the 2026 Banker Technology Awards, recognised for its innovations in digital payments, e-business, and the use of artificial intelligence to drive seamless cross-border banking across more than 20 African markets.

In its assessment of UBA’s winning entry, The Banker noted that “the bank has cemented its status as a leading digital operator by placing technology at the centre of its growth strategy across more than 20 countries, with this approach most visible in its work on cross-border transfers, spanning digital payments, AI-driven engagement, and e-business”

UBA’s recognition centres on integrating Leo, its AI-powered chatbot, with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), enabling customers to send funds across borders in local currencies via a conversational interface.

UBA’s Executive Director Designate, Digital Banking, Emmanuel Lamptey, who received the award on behalf of the bank, emphasised the bank’s aim to fully digitise banking across the entire continent

“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.

He added that the bank’s investment in Leo was a direct response to the cost and friction that has long defined cross-border payments on the continent. “Across a continent where cross-border transfers have historically been slow and costly, Leo reduces friction at the point of transaction, removing reliance on traditional banking channels without requiring customers to change how they communicate,” Lamptey said.

Alongside the award, UBA has relaunched its RedApp mobile banking platform following a comprehensive upgrade. The revamped application is designed to deliver a faster, more intuitive digital banking experience for customers across the bank’s markets.

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