Women Lead the Way in This Year’s African Banker Award Nominations

The 20th annual African Banker Awards have announced a shortlist of 55 nominees, with a significant increase in female representation vying for top honors. The winners will be revealed on May 27th during the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

This year’s competition showcases exceptional individuals and organizations driving transformation across Africa’s financial services sector. Notably, three women bank executives are nominated for “Banker of the Year,” up from two last year—a testament to growing female leadership in African banking.

The awards are organized by African Banker magazine and IC Events under the patronage of the African Development Bank. Platinum sponsorship is provided by The African Guarantee Fund, while ATIDI serves as the exclusive cocktail sponsor, with additional support from Afreximbank and EBID.

Key Highlights:

• Record number of submissions across nine categories
• Three female nominees for “Banker of the Year”—a new high
• Recognition of banks structuring groundbreaking transactions using local capital
• Focus on homegrown solutions to address Africa’s development needs

The shortlisted nominees demonstrate innovation and impact across various sectors, including banking, fintech, sustainable finance, and infrastructure development. The African Banker Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for celebrating excellence and driving progress in the continent’s financial landscape.