Regional banks operations drive Equity Group’s records 55% profit growth registered for 2025.

Equity Group Holdings Plc has announced record financial results for the 2025 financial year, posting a historic 55 percent increase in profit after tax to KSh75.5 billion, up from KSh48.8 billion the previous year. 

The strong performance reflects the group’s ongoing strategic transformation, diversified revenue streams, and growing contributions from its regional subsidiaries across East and Central Africa.

The banking group reported that its balance sheet expanded by 9 percent to KSh1.97 trillion, while customer deposits rose to KSh1.46 trillion. Net loans also grew to KSh882.5 billion, signaling continued growth in lending activities and financial inclusion across the region.

According to the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, James Mwangi, the results demonstrate the success of the institution’s transformation into a diversified regional financial services group.

Mwangi said the growth was driven by expansion in multiple income streams, improved operational efficiency, and strong contributions from the bank’s subsidiaries across Africa.

Regional operations played a significant role in the performance, contributing nearly half of the group’s banking profitability. Subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania all registered strong growth.

Uganda’s subsidiary recorded a remarkable 500 percent increase in profit after tax, while Tanzania’s operations grew by 125 percent and the Democratic Republic of Congo registered a 58 percent rise in profits.

Meanwhile, Equity Bank Kenya Limited reported a 63 percent increase in profit after tax to KSh39.2 billion, driven by growth in net interest income and a significant reduction in interest expenses.

The group’s revenue performance also improved during the year, with net interest income increasing by 17 percent and total income rising to KSh217.7 billion.

Operational efficiency improved as the bank continued to expand its digital services. More than 98 percent of customer transactions were conducted outside banking halls, with 88.4 percent processed through digital channels, reflecting growing adoption of mobile and online banking services.

On the back of the strong performance, the board of directors proposed a dividend payout of KSh21.7 billion, translating to KSh5.75 per share, representing a 35.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Beyond financial performance, the group continued to expand its social impact programs through the Equity Group Foundation. The foundation supported education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and environmental sustainability initiatives across Africa.

During the year, more than 1,100 scholars benefited from global university scholarships, nearly one million entrepreneurs received training, and over 500,000 small businesses accessed KSh401 billion in credit.

The foundation also supported 3.8 million farmers with climate-smart agriculture training, planted 44.6 million trees, and provided affordable healthcare to 4.6 million patients through the Equity Afya network.

Looking ahead, Mwangi said the group will continue implementing its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) and its long-term 2030 strategy, which aims to expand operations to 15 countries and serve 100 million customers across Africa.

He added that the bank is investing heavily in next-generation digital technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen financial inclusion, enhance customer experience, and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the continent.