Banking Sector Excellence Celebrated at Annual African Banker Awards

The 20th African Banker Awards ceremony, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, recognized leading banks and financial institutions across the continent. The event, which took place on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings, highlighted a resilient financial sector contributing significantly to Africa’s economic development.

The awards honored institutions demonstrating strength, innovation, and commitment to transformative deals. Key winners included:

• Bank of the Year: Ecobank - recognized for returning to profitability and paying dividends after several years
• African Banker of the Year: Serge Ekué, President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD)
• Minister of Finance of the Year: Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia - acknowledging the country’s economic turnaround
• Sustainable Bank of the Year: Bank of Industry
• Deal of the Year (Infrastructure): Red Rocket Holdco financing led by Absa and Rand Merchant Bank
• Deal of the Year (Debt): NBET Finance Company PLC ₦501.02 billion bond issuance in Nigeria
• Deal of the Year (Equity): Arise IIP Exit/Equity Raise supporting industrialization

The event emphasized financial sovereignty and the role of banks in driving economic transformation, with speakers noting that significant progress requires courageous leadership and institutions willing to support new sectors and markets.

Two Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) banks also received recognition: TMB as Best Bank in Central Africa and Rawbank for The Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Bank of the Year Award, celebrating their commitment to women-led businesses.