Adaora Umeoji Leads Zenith Bank to Africa's Best Bank Award

Zenith Bank has been recognised as Africa's Best Bank at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, achieving the prestigious honour under the leadership of its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaora Umeoji.

The award, presented in London on July 16, 2026, highlights the bank's outstanding performance and leadership within Africa's financial sector, placing it ahead of several leading banking institutions across the continent.

Dr. Umeoji assumed office as Zenith Bank's first female Group Managing Director and CEO in June 2024 after building nearly three decades of banking experience, including 26 years of service within the institution.

Since taking over the leadership of the bank, she has overseen strong financial growth and operational performance. In the 2025 financial year, Zenith Bank reported a profit after tax of ₦1.04 trillion and generated ₦4.19 trillion in total revenue, while also improving the quality of its loan portfolio.

The bank further rewarded shareholders with a record dividend of ₦10.00 per share, reflecting its strong financial position and sustained profitability.

The latest continental recognition adds to Zenith Bank's growing list of achievements. The institution also retained its position as Nigeria's Best Bank for the second consecutive year and maintained its record as the country's number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 17th straight year.

Industry observers say the latest award reflects the bank's consistent focus on innovation, financial stability and customer service, while also highlighting Dr. Umeoji's historic leadership as the first woman to head Zenith Bank.

The recognition reinforces Zenith Bank's position as one of Africa's leading financial institutions and underscores its continued commitment to delivering value to customers, shareholders and the broader economy.