United Bank for Africa Plc has released its audited group financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting gross earnings of N3 trillion.
- +UBA reports gross earnings of N3 trillion, grows total assets by 9.4%
The top-line growth reinforces its position as one of Africa’s most systemically important banks.
The top-line growth reinforces its position as one of Africa’s most systemically important banks.
Despite a challenging operating environment, the bank recorded a profit after tax of N404.6 billion, supported largely by strong contributions from its pan-African subsidiaries.
While gross earnings remained robust, the bank’s bottom line came under pressure from significant non-recurring items.
UBA booked loan loss provisions of N331 billion alongside fair value losses on derivatives of N227 billion, both of which materially impacted profitability for the year.
These charges, however, are not expected to persist at similar magnitudes in subsequent periods.
Management indicated that recoveries from affected loan exposures are already underway, with a strengthened recovery team aggressively pursuing resolution.
Any successful recoveries are expected to flow directly into earnings from FY2026 onward.
The bank’s balance sheet remains solid, underpinned by a strengthened capital base following its recent rights issue.
This provides a comfortable buffer to support future expansion and absorb potential shocks, positioning the bank for the next phase of growth.
UBA maintained steady growth across key balance sheet lines:
The bank is now strategically positioned to expand its risk asset base, particularly in high-quality sectors, as macroeconomic conditions gradually improve.
Management expects this to translate into stronger earnings momentum in FY2026 and beyond, with potential for over N1 trillion in incremental growth.
UBA’s diversified African footprint continues to be a major earnings engine for the group.
Its international operations now contribute over 50% of total group assets, revenue, and profit, highlighting the success of its pan-African strategy.
Performance across regions was particularly strong:
With one-off pressures expected to ease and capital buffers firmly in place, UBA appears well positioned to pivot back to stronger profitability.
The combination of balance sheet expansion, improving macro conditions, and continued growth across its African subsidiaries suggests a more robust earnings trajectory heading into FY2026.
If execution holds, the bank’s current positioning could mark the beginning of a renewed growth cycle—one driven less by volatility and more by sustainable, broad-based expansion.
