Kampala — ECOBANK has been named the African bank of the year 2009.

Arnold Ekpe, the group chief executive, received the award at a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey recently.

He paid tribute to the African banking world for its role in the continent's economic progress through supporting the prosperity of businesses which in turn improves people's lives.

The event was organised by the African Bankers' magazine in partnership with IC Events and BusinessinAfrica Events managers.

With headquarters in Lome, Togo, the group employs over 11,000 people from 29 countries in which it operates.

The bank brought its services to Uganda this year.