Nairobi – Equity Group Holdings Plc has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 2025, posting a 55 percent rise in profit after tax to KSh75.5 billion, driven by regional expansion and increased adoption of digital banking.
The Group’s results, up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year, highlight continued growth across its subsidiaries and improved operational efficiency as more customers shift to digital channels.
Group Managing Director and CEO Dr James Mwangi said the performance reflects the bank’s long-term transformation into a diversified regional player.
“The 2025 performance reflects the success of our deliberate transformation into a diversified, regional financial services group,” Mwangi said. “We delivered strong profit growth by expanding and deepening our income streams, improving efficiency across the franchise, and strengthening the quality of our balance sheet.”
He noted that the Group’s regional subsidiaries are increasingly contributing to profitability.
“Our regional subsidiaries now contribute about half of our banking profitability, demonstrating the value of our pan-African footprint and the resilience that comes from diversification,” he added.
Digital shift boosts efficiency
Equity attributed part of its growth to heavy investment in digital platforms, which have significantly reduced reliance on physical branches.
More than 98 percent of transactions were conducted outside branches, with 88.4 percent processed through digital channels. This helped lower the cost-to-income ratio to 51 percent from 58.2 percent.
Total income grew 12 percent to KSh217.7 billion, supported by a 17 percent rise in net interest income and a 7 percent increase in non-funded income.
Regional subsidiaries drive growth
The Group’s regional operations delivered strong gains, with subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda recording notable increases in profitability and loan growth.
Uganda, in particular, posted a sharp surge in earnings, while Tanzania and Rwanda recorded steady expansion in their loan books. Overall, subsidiaries contributed nearly half of the Group’s banking profits.
Higher dividend for shareholders
The board has proposed a dividend of KSh5.75 per share, up from KSh4.25, translating to a total payout of KSh21.7 billion.
Expanding impact and innovation
Beyond financial performance, Equity continued to scale its development initiatives through the Equity Group Foundation, supporting education, enterprise development, healthcare and climate resilience across Africa.
The Group also maintained its focus on innovation, with Mwangi emphasising continued investment in technology and artificial intelligence.
“Our focus is to build a future-ready institution that is scalable, secure and impact-led,” he said. “We are investing in next-generation digital and AI-enabled capabilities that enhance customer experience and extend access to affordable financial services.”
Equity aims to deepen its regional footprint and expand access to financial services as part of its long-term growth strategy across the continent.
