Equity Group Record KSh75.5 Billion Profit as Transformation Strategy Delivers Strong Growth
Equity Group Holdings has reported the highest profit in its history, posting a 55 percent jump in net earnings to KSh75.5 billion for the financial year ending 2025, underlining the success of its ongoing strategic transformation and regional expansion.
The Group’s strong performance was driven by diversified revenue streams, improved efficiency, and growing contributions from its pan-African subsidiaries. Profit rose from KSh48.8 billion in 2024, while total income increased by 12 percent to KSh217.7 billion.
The lender also announced a proposed dividend payout of KSh21.7 billion, translating to KSh5.75 per share, marking a 35.3 percent increase from the previous year.
Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi said the results reflect the success of Equity’s transition into a diversified regional financial services group.
“The 2025 performance demonstrates the strength of our transformation strategy, supported by expanded income streams, enhanced efficiency, and a resilient balance sheet. Our regional subsidiaries now contribute nearly half of our banking profitability, highlighting the value of our pan-African footprint,” he said.
Regional Growth Powers Performance
Regional operations accounted for about half of the Group’s profitability, with subsidiaries delivering strong gains across key markets. The Democratic Republic of Congo led growth with a 58 percent rise in profit after tax, while Uganda recorded a remarkable 500 percent surge. Tanzania and Rwanda also posted solid growth, supported by significant loan book expansion.
In Kenya, Equity Bank recorded a 63 percent increase in profit after tax to KSh39.2 billion, driven by higher interest income and reduced financing costs. The bank continues to play a leading role in SME financing, accounting for nearly half of total lending to small businesses in the sector.
Digital Shift Boosts Efficiency
The Group’s balance sheet grew by 9 percent to KSh1.97 trillion, with customer deposits rising to KSh1.46 trillion and net loans reaching KSh882.5 billion. Customer accounts stood at 22.4 million.
Operational efficiency improved significantly, with the cost-to-income ratio dropping to 51 percent from 58.2 percent. This was largely attributed to the rapid shift to digital banking, with over 98 percent of transactions conducted outside physical branches and 88.4 percent processed through digital channels.
Loan loss provisions declined by 28 percent, while non-performing loan coverage strengthened to 67.7 percent, reflecting improved asset quality and risk management.
Insurance and Social Impact Expansion
Equity’s insurance business recorded strong growth, with gross written premiums rising 75 percent to KSh9.17 billion, contributing to a 36 percent increase in profit before tax.
Beyond financial performance, the Group invested approximately KSh99.5 billion in social impact and sustainability initiatives in 2025. Through the Equity Group Foundation, the bank supported education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action across the continent.
The Foundation backed over 1,100 scholars with global university scholarships, trained nearly one million entrepreneurs, and enabled more than 500,000 MSMEs to access KSh401 billion in credit. It also reached 3.8 million farmers with climate-smart agriculture skills and facilitated healthcare access to 4.6 million patients through its Equity Afya network.
Positioning for Future Growth
Equity Bank was named the Best Regional Bank in East Africa and retained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand in 2025, reinforcing its market leadership.
Looking ahead, the Group will continue to implement its 2030 strategy anchored on the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), focusing on digital transformation and inclusive finance.
“Our goal is to build a future-ready, impact-led institution. By investing in AI-driven technologies and expanding access to affordable financial solutions, we are positioning ourselves to scale impact, deepen inclusion, and accelerate sustainable growth across Africa,” Dr. Mwangi said.
Under the strategy, Equity aims to expand to 15 countries and serve 100 million customers by 2030, as it evolves from a traditional bank into a Transformation Finance Institution focused on mobilizing capital and driving inclusive economic development across the continent.
