By Business Insider Reporter
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) emerged as the standout winners at the 2025 African Banker Awards, Africa’s premier annual banking event held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Tanzania’s CRDB Bank Plc was named SME Bank of the Year, a recognition that cements its reputation as a leading financial partner for small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent.
In a year marked by intensified development efforts, DFIs dominated the awards, taking home five major accolades. Notably, Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank, was named Banker of the Year for her exemplary leadership and impact in development finance.
The Bank of the Year award went to Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), further highlighting the central role DFIs are playing in Africa’s economic transformation.
Now in its 19th year, the African Banker Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and institutions driving growth and innovation in the continent’s financial sector.
“This year’s awards underscored the rising influence of DFIs, recognizing their crucial role in accelerating development, financing underserved sectors, and deepening economic resilience across Africa,” said event organizers in an official statement.
Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was named Central Bank Governor of the Year, commended for making tough but necessary decisions that helped restore market stability and investor confidence.
Morocco maintained its reputation as a regional leader in economic diversification. The country’s Finance Minister, Nadia Fettah, received the Finance Minister of the Year award for her effective macroeconomic management and policy leadership.
Speaking at the ceremony, Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee, emphasized the indispensable role of banks and the private sector in Africa’s transformation.
“Thomas Sankara once said, ‘The one who feeds you controls you.’ Paraphrasing that, we can say, ‘The one who finances you controls you.’ We need strong, African-owned banks. The private sector unlocks scale, and banks are the fuel powering Africa’s growth,” Mr Yedder noted.
He added: “DFIs have won big this year because of the catalytic role they’re playing – transforming investment ecosystems and supporting SMEs and other underfunded asset classes in collaboration with the private sector.”
Ecobank was awarded the AFAWA Award, which recognizes institutions advancing gender-lens investing and supporting women-led businesses. The initiative is spearheaded by Dr Beth Dunford of the African Development Bank.
