Zenith Bank Plc has been named Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, securing the continent’s highest banking honour while retaining the national title for the second consecutive year.
The dual recognition reinforces Zenith Bank’s position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, reflecting its strong financial performance, commitment to innovation, digital transformation and customer-centric banking, as well as its continued contribution to economic growth across the continent.
The awards were presented yesterday at The Peninsula London, where Zenith Bank emerged ahead of more than 770 entries from leading global financial institutions, including HSBC, Citibank, Barclays and DBS Bank of Singapore.
According to Euromoney, winners were assessed based on key performance indicators, including strategy, profitability, risk management, digital innovation and overall stakeholder impact.
The publication cited Zenith Bank’s strong financial performance, exceptional customer service and significant contribution to economic development in Nigeria and across Africa as key factors behind its selection.
Reacting to the achievement, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji, described the awards as a testament to the confidence customers have continued to place in the bank.
“We are deeply honoured by these recognitions from Euromoney. Being recognised as Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our unicorn workforce, and our unwavering commitment to building a truly African global financial institution,” she said.
Umeoji dedicated the awards to the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, applauding his vision, leadership and enduring legacy. She also acknowledged the support of regulators across the various jurisdictions where the bank operates for creating an enabling environment that has sustained its growth.
Zenith Bank maintained its strong financial momentum in 2025, posting gross earnings of ₦4.19 trillion and a profit after tax of ₦1.04 trillion, while further reducing its non-performing loan ratio.
The bank also rewarded shareholders with a record dividend of ₦10.00 per share, representing a 100 per cent increase over the previous year’s payout.
The latest recognition adds to Zenith Bank’s growing list of international honours, including its ranking as Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for 17 consecutive years, alongside multiple awards for digital innovation, corporate governance and sustainability.
The awards further cement Zenith Bank’s reputation as one of Africa’s most resilient, innovative and consistently high-performing financial institutions.