UBA Overtakes Access to Become Nigeria’s Top Bank in Africa Ranking

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has overtaken Access Bank in the latest ranking of Africa’s top 100 banks after a sharp increase in its Tier 1 capital lifted the lender five places on the continental league table.

The 2026 African Banker ranking, published by African Business magazine on Monday, places UBA 15th, up from 20th a year earlier, making it the highest-ranked Nigerian bank. Access Bank fell to 17th from 14th.

The annual survey ranks African lenders by Tier 1 capital — comprising a bank’s initial capital, reserves and retained earnings — a key measure of financial strength.

UBA’s Tier 1 capital rose 59 percent to $2.7 billion from $1.7 billion, while Access Bank’s increased to $2.6 billion from $2 billion.

The reversal means UBA now sits two places ahead of Access, which was the highest-ranked Nigerian lender in the previous edition of the ranking. Access’s decline therefore reflects UBA’s faster capital growth rather than a reduction in its own capital base.

The shift comes as Nigerian banks strengthen their balance sheets following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation exercise, which required lenders to meet higher minimum capital thresholds by March 31, 2026.

UBA’s stronger position reflects its expanding capital base and extensive African footprint. The bank operates across more than 20 African countries, alongside operations in the United Kingdom, United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.

Access Bank has also pursued an aggressive pan-African expansion strategy, building its presence across Africa and other international markets.