FirstBank to Host West Africa International Banking Dialogue and Awards Gala 2026

FirstBank, the top financial institution in West Africa, will host the West Africa International Banking Dialogue and Awards Gala 2026. This event is set to take place on 14 October 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The gala will gather banking leaders, regulators, policymakers, industry experts, and other important people from the region. They will discuss the future of banking and financial services in West Africa. Key topics will include digital transformation, financial inclusion, new regulations, sustainable finance, and regional economic integration.

The event will also highlight FirstBank’s ongoing commitment to providing value to its customers. This is shown by its recent awards, including Best Retail Bank in Nigeria, Best SME Bank in Nigeria, and Best SME Bank in Africa, given by The Asian Banker.

These awards strengthen FirstBank’s long-standing reputation for excellence. The bank has been named Best Retail Bank in Nigeria for the ninth time in 2025. It has also received recognition for its support of small and medium-sized enterprises, earning the titles of Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa in consecutive years.

Olusegun Alebiosu, the Managing Director and CEO of FirstBank Group, spoke about the importance of the event. He 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 allow leading voices in banking to share ideas, explore new opportunities, and find solutions. This will help ensure continued growth and change in financial services across West Africa.

By hosting this event, FirstBank shows its commitment to industry collaboration, advancing financial inclusion, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity across Africa.