Zenith Bank Plc has strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions after winning two major titles at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026. The bank was named Africa’s Best Bank and Nigeria’s Best Bank, adding another milestone to its growing list of international achievements.
The prestigious awards were presented on July 16 at The Peninsula London Hotel, where top financial institutions from around the world gathered to celebrate excellence in banking.
Euromoney’s annual awards are regarded as one of the banking industry’s most respected honours. Winners are selected after a detailed review of their financial strength, business strategy, risk management, innovation, digital transformation and contribution to customers and the wider economy.
This year’s competition was the largest in the award’s history, attracting more than 770 submissionsfrom banks across different regions. The strong level of participation made the competition tougher, with both global and regional financial institutions competing for recognition.
Zenith Bank stood out after delivering another impressive financial performance and continuing its investment in technology and digital banking services.
For the 2025 financial year, the bank recorded gross earnings of ₦4.19 trillion, representing a six per cent increase compared to the previous year. It also posted a profit after tax of ₦1.04 trillion, while improving the quality of its loan portfolio by reducing its non-performing loan ratio from 4.7 per cent to 3.8 per cent.
The bank also rewarded shareholders with a record ₦10.00 dividend per share for the 2025 financial year. This was double the ₦5.00 per share paid in 2024, reflecting the institution’s strong financial position and commitment to delivering value to investors.
Beyond its financial performance, Zenith Bank has continued expanding across Africa by strengthening trade and transaction banking services that help businesses operate more easily across different countries. The lender has also increased spending on digital banking infrastructure, artificial intelligence and other technology solutions aimed at improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Reacting to the recognition, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, described the awards as a reflection of the confidence customers have placed in the bank over the years.
She said the recognition also highlights the dedication of the bank’s workforce and its commitment to building a world-class African financial institution.
According to her, the awards will encourage the bank to continue creating value for customers, supporting businesses, promoting financial inclusion and investing in innovative banking solutions across the continent.
She also expressed appreciation to financial regulators in the countries where Zenith Bank operates, noting that their supportive regulatory environment has contributed to the bank’s continued growth and achievements.
Dr. Umeoji dedicated the awards to the bank’s founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, praising his leadership, vision and commitment to excellence, which she said laid the foundation for Zenith Bank’s success.
The latest achievement adds to Zenith Bank’s long list of local and international recognitions. The bank has consistently received awards for financial strength, corporate governance, digital innovation, sustainability, retail banking and customer service from respected global organisations.
With strong earnings, growing investments in technology, expansion across Africa and continued recognition from international industry experts, Zenith Bank is reinforcing its reputation as one of the continent’s most successful and trusted financial institutions while positioning itself for sustained growth in the years ahead.
