The 2025 African Banker Awards, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in conjunction with the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings, showcased the rising prominence of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in driving Africa’s economic transformation. These institutions, including the Ugandan Development Bank, TDB, ATIDI, Afreximbank, AFC, and Bank of Industry, dominated the awards, highlighting their crucial role in catalyzing investments and facilitating deals across the continent. This recognition underscores the increasing importance of DFIs in shaping Africa’s financial landscape and fostering sustainable development. Their contributions span a wide range of sectors and initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to empowering African businesses and promoting economic growth.
The awards also acknowledged exceptional leadership in both public and private sectors. Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, received the Central Bank Governor of the Year award for his decisive actions in stabilizing markets and restoring investor confidence. His leadership during challenging economic times was lauded for its effectiveness in navigating complex financial situations and fostering stability. Moroccan Finance Minister, Nadia Fettah, was honored as Finance Minister of the Year for her adept macroeconomic management, which has propelled Morocco to a leading position in Africa, particularly in terms of economic diversification. Her strategic vision and skillful implementation of economic policies have contributed significantly to Morocco’s economic resilience and growth.
Ecobank, a prominent pan-African commercial lender, secured the AFAWA Award, recognizing its commitment to gender-lens lending and supporting women-led businesses. This award highlights the growing emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality within the African financial sector. Ecobank’s dedication to providing financial resources and support to women-owned businesses sets an example for other institutions seeking to contribute to inclusive economic development.
The event, attended by 500 prominent figures in African banking and finance, celebrated not only institutional achievements but also individual excellence. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of the Ugandan Development Bank, received the prestigious African Banker of the Year award. Her leadership in guiding the Ugandan Development Bank’s impactful contributions to the nation’s economic development was recognized as exemplary. The presence of Ivorian athlete Murielle Ahouré-Demps, a multiple medal winner at world events, added a touch of inspiration to the ceremony, highlighting the spirit of achievement and excellence.
Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee, emphasized the critical role of the private sector and banks in driving Africa’s transformation. He drew a parallel between financial power and influence, underscoring the need for strong African-owned banks to fuel the continent’s progress. The dominance of DFIs in the awards reflects their growing importance in supporting the private sector, particularly SMEs and underfunded asset classes. These institutions are instrumental in bridging the financing gap and unlocking the potential of African businesses to drive economic growth and create jobs.
The African Banker Awards 2025 served as a platform to showcase the positive trajectory of the African financial sector. The recognition of DFIs, public sector leaders, and private institutions demonstrates a collective effort towards sustainable and inclusive economic development. These awards not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire continued progress and innovation in the African financial landscape. The support from institutions like the African Development Bank and the African Guarantee Fund further strengthens the commitment to fostering a robust and dynamic financial sector in Africa. The awards serve as a testament to the growing influence and impact of African financial institutions on the continent’s economic future.
