Development Financial Institutions (DFI) appeared as a big winner at Africa's most famous annual banking event. Five DFIs took home plaques at the African Banker Awards Gala Ceremony 2025 last night at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan in Ivory Coast, a bystander of the African Development Bank's annual conference. The ceremony was attended by 500 major lighting in the banking and finance continent.
The 19th year of African Banker Awards 2025 celebrates the achievements of individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the banking sector in Africa the previous year. In particular, this year's awards ceremony highlights the increased perception, importance and impact in the African financial and banking ecosystem as DFIs raise the lever for development and growth.
Nigeria's Olayemi Cardoso has been appointed Governor of the Year of the Central Bank. Central banks had to make tough decisions, but organizers noted that these are softening markets that are renewing investors' trust.
Morocco was a standout performer in Africa, particularly when it comes to economic diversification. Nadia Fetta Araui has been recognized as her sound macroeconomic management Finance Minister of the Year.
Professor Vincent Nmechel, executive director of the African Development Bank, paid tribute to IC Publications and the new African magazine in 2007 to represent African voices internationally.
Speaking at the ceremony, Omar Ben Idar, chairman of the awards committee, identified the private sector and banks as important for transforming the continent. “Thomas Sankara said the one who feeds you, what controls you. To paraphrase him, we can raise you and say simply what controls you. We need strong African-owned banks. The private sector is the fuel to drive Africa forward. A lack of funding asset class.”
This year's awards included Ivoryan Sprinter, multiple medal winners at World Events, and silver medalist Muriel Ahoredemps. Introducing the African Banker of the Year Award, she shared, “We shared how the champions learned that they weren't made on the podium. They are forged in the quiet, invisible moments needed when no one is looking. The award was awarded by Patricia Odangoré, Managing Director of Uganda's Development Bank. For the second time in three years, the East African Women Banker was awarded the coveted award.
Ecobank was awarded this year's Afawa Awards. It recognizes banks that support gender lens lending and women-led businesses. Dr. Beth Dunford of the African Development Bank is leading the initiative.
The award is supported by many high-level sponsors, including the African Development Bank and the African Guarantee Fund. The cocktail reception took place before a gala sponsored by Africa Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI). Afreximbank, Ecowas Bank's Investment Development Bank (EBID), Atlantic Finance Group, Industrial Bank of Nigeria, African Guarantee and Economic Cooperation Fund (FAGACE), 4G Capital, IFG Executive Education and African Hidden Champions were also sponsors and supporters of the award.
Complete list of winners:
Banker of the Year: Madame Patricia Odangoré, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank
Bank of the Year: Trade Development Bank Group (TDB Group)
Sustainable Bank of the Year: Nedbank
Fintech of the Year: 4G Capital
DFI of the Year: Africa Trade and Investment Development Insurance
Small and Medium Bank of the Year: CRDB Bank
Trades of the year – Infrastructure: Egypt's Suez 1.1 GW Wind Power Project – African Development Bank
This year's transaction – Debt: Industrial Bank is a syndicated debt issuing facility of 18.7 billion euros – Africa Finance Corporation and Ahlseyk Bank
Trades of the year – Equity: Project Arden – Renaissance Energy $2.4 billion Shell Oil Developer PWC Nigeria
Lifetime Achievement: Idrissa Nassa, Coris Bank Group CEO
Central Bank Governor of the Year: Governor of the Nigeria Central Bank, Oremical Dosso
This year's Finance Minister: He is Mrs. Nadia Fetta Araui, Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Morocco
Afawa Bank of the Year Award: Ecobank
