By Felix Oketcho
Uganda Development Bank Managing Director Patricia Ojangole has once again won this year’s edition of African Banker of the year.
Mrs Patricia Ojangole emerged the Banker of the Year in recognition of the transformative change she has brought to the bank in growth in its capital base, significant reduction in its non-performing loan portfolio and enhancing of other fundamentals.
The African Banker Awards 2025 celebrates the achievements of individuals and institutions that contribute significantly to the growth and development of Africa’s banking sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee identified the private sector and banks as critical to transforming the continent.
WINNERS OF AFRICAN BANKER AWARDS 2025
“Thomas Sankara said the ones that feed you, rule you. To paraphrase him, we could easily say the ones that finance you, rule you. We need strong African-owned banks. The private sector is the key to unlocking scale, and banks are the fuel for driving Africa forward. African DFIs have won big because of the catalytic role they are playing in transforming the investment landscape as well as working more closely with the African private sector to support SMEs and other asset classes that are underfunded.”
Olayemi Cardoso from Nigeria was named Central Bank Governor of the Year. The Central Bank has had to make tough decisions but these, the organisers noted, have assuaged markets renewing investor confidence.
Morocco has been a standout performer in Africa, especially when it comes to economic diversification. Nadia Fettah was recognised as Finance Minister of the Year for her sound macroeconomic management.
Ecobank won this year’s AFAWA Awards, which recognise gender lens lending and banks supporting women-led businesses. Dr Beth Dunford of the African Development Bank leads on the initiative.
Idrissa Nassa, the Burkinabe serial entrepreneur and Group CEO of Coris Bank received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the African banking landscape where the Coris Bank International (CBI) group has emerged as a continental financial powerhouse. With operations in 11 countries and control of 10% market share in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Coris Bank, under Nassa’s, leadership has become a powerful African success story.
The Awards are supported by the African Development Bank, and a number of high-level sponsors such as the African Guarantee Fund. A cocktail reception took place before the Gala sponsored by African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI). Afreximbank, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Atlantic Finance Group, Nigeria’s Bank of Industry, The African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE), 4G Capital, IFG Executive Education and African Hidden Champions were also sponsors and supporters of the Awards.