Equity Group posts record profit as regional expansion and digital shift drive growth

March 18, 2026 in Companies, Finance, Financial Services by Editor

Equity Group reports a 55pc surge in profit to KSh75.5 billion, with regional subsidiaries and digital banking driving performance amid a shifting economic landscape.

 

Equity Group Holdings has posted a record financial performance for 2025, with profit after tax rising 55pc to KSh75.5 billion, underscoring the success of its regional expansion strategy and digital transformation.

The Nairobi-listed lender’s balance sheet grew 9pc to KSh1.97 trillion, while customer deposits rose to KSh1.46 trillion and net loans increased to KSh882.5 billion. Total income climbed 12pc to KSh217.7 billion, supported by a 17pc rise in net interest income and steady growth in non-funded income.

A key driver of the performance was improved operational efficiency, with the cost-to-income ratio dropping to 51pc from 58.2pc reflecting the bank’s shift toward digital channels. More than 98pc of transactions were conducted outside branches, with 88.4pc processed through digital platforms.

Group CEO James Mwangi said the results highlight the success of Equity’s transformation into a diversified, pan-African financial services group. Regional subsidiaries now contribute nearly half of total banking profitability, reinforcing the importance of geographic diversification.

Subsidiary performance was particularly strong. Equity Bank Kenya reported a 63pc rise in profit to KSh39.2 billion, while regional operations recorded 53pc growth overall. Uganda’s business posted a fivefold increase in profit, while Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo also delivered triple-digit and strong double-digit growth respectively.

The Group’s insurance arm, Equity Insurance Group, also gained momentum, with gross written premiums rising 75pc and profit before tax increasing 36pc, supported by expansion into life, health and general insurance.

Directors have proposed a dividend of KSh5.75 per share, amounting to KSh21.7 billion, a 35pc increase from the previous year.

Beyond financial performance, Equity continued to scale its social impact investments, channeling nearly KSh99.5 billion into initiatives spanning education, enterprise development, healthcare and climate resilience through the Equity Group Foundation.

The results come against a backdrop of improving economic conditions across Africa, with several of the world’s fastest-growing economies on the continent. Commodity exports and easing global inflation have supported growth in East Africa, although short-term risks persist from geopolitical tensions and fluctuating oil prices.

Looking ahead, the lender is positioning itself for further expansion under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, targeting operations in 15 countries and 100 million customers by 2030. The strategy is anchored on digital innovation, AI-enabled systems and a broader shift toward becoming a “transformation finance institution” that mobilizes capital and supports inclusive growth across the continent.