FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to host and sponsor the West Africa International Banking Dialogue & Awards Gala 2026, scheduled to hold on 14 October 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event will bring together banking leaders, regulators, policymakers, industry experts and key stakeholders from across the region to discuss the future of banking and financial services in West Africa. Discussions will focus on key issues shaping the industry, including digital transformation, financial inclusion, regulatory developments, sustainable finance and regional economic integration.
The event will also celebrate FirstBank’s continued commitment to delivering value to its customers, reflected in its recent recognition as Best Retail Bank in Nigeria, Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by The Asian Banker.
These recognitions further reinforce FirstBank’s longstanding record of excellence. The Bank was named Best Retail Bank in Nigeria for the ninth time in 2025 and has consistently been recognized for its support of small and medium-sized enterprises, earning both Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa honours in consecutive years.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, said: “The West Africa International Banking Dialogue & Awards Gala provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to engage in meaningful conversations that will shape the future of banking in our region. At FirstBank, we remain committed to driving innovation, financial inclusion, sustainable growth and stakeholder value creation. By hosting this important platform, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and advancing the banking industry’s contribution to economic development across Africa.”
The West Africa International Banking Dialogue & Awards Gala 2026 will serve as a platform for leading voices across the banking ecosystem to exchange insights, explore emerging opportunities and identify collaborative solutions that will support the continued growth and transformation of financial services across West Africa.
By hosting the event, FirstBank reinforces its commitment to fostering industry collaboration, advancing financial inclusion and supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity across Africa.