UBA Sierra Leone Shines With Double Victory at the 10th African Ovation Awards

Excellence was on full display as United Bank of Africa Sierra Leone (UBA Sierra Leone), emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 10th African Ovation Awards held on Saturday, 25th April 2026 at the Radisson Blu Garden in Freetown. 

The African Ovation Awards has grown into one of the continent’s respected platforms for recognized excellence in leadership, business performance, and social impact. Its 10th edition brought together high-performing institutions and individuals from across sectors, making every award highly competitive and meaningful.

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was UBA Sierra Leone receiving the Corporate Excellence Award for Best Bank of the Year. 

This award reflects the bank’s strong operational performance, customer-focused service delivery, and continued contribution to Sierra Leone’s financial sector development. It further reinforces UBA Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a bank that consistently delivers value to individuals, businesses and institutions across Sierra Leone. 

The Corporate Excellence Award given to UBA Sierra Leone

UBA Sierra Leone: Managing Director, Mohamed Alhajie Smaoura Honoured

Managing Director of UBA Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura

The Managing Director and CEO of UBA Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, was awarded Best Corporate Leader of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to growth and innovation within the banking sector.

With nearly two decades of experience in Sierra Leone’s banking industry, Samoura is also the first Sierra Leonean Managing Director of UBA Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s leadership journey. 

Under his leadership, UBA Sierra Leone has achieved remarkable milestones including:

• Recognition as Bank of the Year 2023 by The Banker (Financial Times publication, UK)
• Ranking among the Top 10 Institutions in Sierra Leone by the African Branding Agency
• Samoura being named the Top 5 Financial Leaders in Sierra Leone
• Award as Climate Positive Bank of the Year at the 7th Environmental Care Awards 
• Recognition for outstanding customer service and social impact at the African Ovation Awards

In 2024, the bank recorded one of its strongest financial performances to date, closing the year with a 71% increase in profit before tax, alongside double-digit growth across all key financial indicators. 

These results, combined with continued recognition across leadership, branding, sustainability, and financial performance, position UBA Sierra Leone as a key driver of innovation and progress in the country’s banking sector. 

The Best Corporate Leader of the Year Award given to Mohamed Alhajie Samoura

Team Effort Behind UBA Sierra Leone’s Success 

UBA Sierra Leone’s strong brand presence was also recognised through Sallieu Sesay, Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, who received the Professional Excellence Award.

His contribution has been central to strengthening the bank’s brand identity, enhanced public engagement, and improving communication with customers and stakeholders. 

Sallieu Sesay, Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Sierra Leone

The awards night also highlighted the collective effort behind UBA Sierra Leone’s success. A strong delegation represented the bank, including; Brima Daramy, Head of Corporate Banking, Kelvin Sheku, Regional Head, Augustine Martin, External and Media Relations Officer, and James Titus Abu, Social Media and Website Coordinator. 

Their presence reflected the teamwork, professionalism, and shared commitment driving the institution’s continued growth. 

The UBA Sierra Leone team receiving the awards

Setting the Standard for Banking Excellence

The double victory at the African Ovation Awards is a reaffirmation of UBA Sierra Leone’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and impactful service delivery. 

From award-winning leadership to strong financial performance and impactful corporate presence, UBA Sierra Leone continues to set the standard for modern banking in the country and beyond.