African Bank proudly kept the South African flag aloft at the recent Digital CX Awards 2025, held in Singapore. The bank for the people, by the people, serving the people, won in the Best Digital CX – Account Opening and Customer Onboarding category, receiving a ‘Highly Acclaimed’ commendation.
The Digital CX Awards is an annual event held to celebrate the world’s pre-eminent financial services institutions. The brainchild of The Digital Banker, an online business news service, the Digital CX Awards honour financial organisations that set new standards in digital transformation to deliver a superior customer experience.
“We are honoured to be the recipients of such a prestigious award,” says Sibongiseni Ngundze, CEO: Personal Banking at African Bank. “This global recognition, and the positive feedback we have received from our customers, is tangible proof that we can provide our customers with real value and back them in the moments that matter.”
As part of its audacious growth and diversification strategy, called Excelerate, African Bank has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey to redefine how it engages with its rapidly growing customer base. In its endeavour to build a future-ready organisation, the bank has embraced artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to deliver more personalised, and seamless, banking experiences.
Aligned to its heritage journey of championing the underserved, and its purpose of Advancing Lives, African Bank’s digital transformation journey is grounded in the principles of financial inclusion.
“Our founders believed that greater access to essential financial services could spark an economic renaissance, particularly in communities relegated to the sidelines of the economic playing field,” says Kennedy G Bungane, Group CEO of African Bank.
“We are delighted that, in our 50th year as African Bank, we are continuing to bring the vision of our pioneering founders to life. Our digital transformation will ensure that we remain accessible to all South Africans, regardless of social status, and that our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers.”
Unathi Mtya, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at African Bank, adds: “Our focus has always been on building intuitive digital journeys that empower people and remove barriers. This recognition reflects how technology, when done right, can help deliver dignity, access and agency to our customers – all in just a few taps. We’re not just transforming banking; we’re making it personal, relevant and inclusive.”
African Bank’s strategic evolution, since it adopted Excelerate, has seen the bank garner a number of prestigious accolades, both locally, and overseas. It’s dedication to customer experience and customer-centricity, has significantly enhanced its Net Promoter score, and has seen the bank place fourth overall in the 2024 Ask Afrika Orange Index Awards for Customer Experience, securing 2nd place in the Banking Category.
The bank also continues to draw praise for its innovative approach to rewards. Its Audacious Rewards programme was nominated in three categories at the 2025 International Loyalty Awards, held in Dubai last month. Last year, Audacious Rewards won honours at both the International Loyalty Awards and the South African Loyalty Awards, winning judges over with its unique approach to rewarding customers for everyday banking.