Brazzaville: Ghana's GCB Bank PLC has been named the Best Regional Bank in West Africa at the 20th edition of the African Banker Awards. The event took place at the Kempinski Hotel in Brazzaville, Congo, alongside the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings.
According to Ghana News Agency, the awards celebrated exemplary banks and bankers from the African continent, showcasing the resilience and maturity of the African financial sector, which significantly contributes to economic development. Notable winners in other regional banking categories included Bank of Africa - Morocco for North Africa, Zanaco for Southern Africa, CRDB for East Africa, and Trust Merchant Bank for Central Africa.
The African Banker Awards 2026 were organized by African Banker magazine and IC Events under the high patronage of the African Development Bank. The ceremony saw attendance from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, representing President Denis Sassou Nguesso, along with prominent banking figures, including AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.
During the event, eighteen winners were announced, including a performance by Congolese music legend Koffi Olomide. Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee, emphasized the importance of financial sovereignty and robust banking institutions for Africa's growth, noting the pivotal role of banks in supporting business leaders into new sectors and markets.
The awards underscored the increasing influence of African financial institutions in orchestrating transformational deals, particularly in infrastructure and industrialization. Noteworthy achievements included the Red Rocket Holdco renewable energy deal in South Africa and NBET Finance Company PLC's significant bond issuance in Nigeria's power sector.
Ecobank was recognized as Bank of the Year, highlighting its resurgence in growth and profitability. Zambia's Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane, was awarded Minister of Finance of the Year for his role in the country's economic revival. Andr© Wameso, Governor of the Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo, received the Central Bank Governor of the Year award.
Two Congolese banks were also honored, with Trust Merchant Bank winning Best Regional Bank in Central Africa and Rawbank receiving the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Bank of the Year Award. The AFAWA award acknowledges efforts to enhance access to finance for women-led businesses.
Serge Eku©, President of the Banque Ouest-Africaine de D©veloppement (BOAD), was bestowed the prestigious African Banker of the Year award. The event was supported by various institutions, including the African Guarantee Fund, Afreximbank, and ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), with Algest Investment Bank as the main partner for the awards.