Equity Group has posted its strongest financial performance to date, reporting a record Sh75.5 billion profit for the year ended 2025, driven by rapid regional growth and a digital banking system that now handles the vast majority of customer transactions.
The lender’s latest results show a 55% jump in profit, underlining a shift in its growth strategy as operations outside Kenya continue to gain weight. Subsidiaries across the region now contribute nearly half of the Group’s earnings, marking a clear move toward a broader African footprint.
Alongside the strong performance, the Group has proposed a dividend payout of Sh5.75 per share and invested Sh99.5 billion in social impact programmes, reinforcing its long-term focus on inclusive growth.
Financial statements released on Wednesday indicate that the Group’s balance sheet expanded by 9% to Sh1.97 trillion. Customer deposits rose to Sh1.46 trillion, reflecting a 4% increase, while net loans grew by 8% to Sh882.5 billion.
The bank’s customer base has also continued to expand, reaching 22.4 million accounts supported by a wide regional presence and a growing digital platform.
Income growth remained steady across key areas, with net interest income rising 17% to Sh126.9 billion. Non-funded income increased by 7% to Sh90.8 billion, pushing total income to Sh217.7 billion.
At the same time, the Group improved its efficiency, lowering its cost-to-income ratio to 51% from 58.2%. This was supported by a shift to self-service channels, better staff productivity, and tighter control of operating costs across shared services and digital systems.
Digital banking played a central role in this performance. More than 98% of all customer transactions were conducted outside physical branches, with 88.4% processed through digital channels, pointing to strong uptake of technology-driven services.
Equity Bank Kenya Limited recorded a 63% increase in profit after tax to Sh39.2 billion. This growth was supported by a 28% rise in net interest income and a 37% drop in interest expenses, reflecting improved cost management.
Shareholders’ funds grew by 11% to Sh136.2 billion, while returns on assets and equity improved to 3.9% and 26.8%. The bank also maintained its leading role in lending to small businesses, with 45% of its loan book going to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Across the region, subsidiaries delivered strong gains and now account for a large share of the Group’s earnings. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, profit after tax rose by 58% to Sh24.7 billion, supported by a 17% increase in lending.
Uganda recorded a sharp rise in profit to Sh3.6 billion, while Rwanda posted Sh5.4 billion alongside a 22% growth in loans. Tanzania also reported strong performance, with profit climbing to Sh2.7 billion and shareholders’ funds rising by 75%.
Overall, regional operations contributed 51% of banking profit before tax and 48% after tax, confirming the Group’s position as a growing pan-African financial services provider.
The insurance business also maintained strong momentum. Equity Insurance Group reported a 75% rise in gross written premiums to Sh9.17 billion, while profit before tax grew by 36% to Sh2.0 billion.
Equity Life Assurance expanded its reach to 6.9 million customers and issued 19.2 million policies. Equity General Insurance and Equity Health Insurance also recorded strong early performance.
Beyond financial results, the Group continued to deepen its social impact through the Equity Group Foundation, which invested Sh99.5 billion in key sectors such as education, health, enterprise development, climate action, and technology.
The Foundation supported more than 1,100 scholars with international university scholarships and trained close to one million entrepreneurs. It also enabled over 500,000 small businesses to access Sh401 billion in credit.
In agriculture, 3.8 million farmers received training on climate-smart practices, while over 500,000 clean energy products were distributed. Environmental efforts saw the planting of 44.6 million trees, while Equity Afya expanded to 150 centres, serving 4.6 million patients.
Internally, the Group continued to strengthen its operations through improved corporate culture, stronger controls, and a focus on accountability and customer service, supported by data-driven decision making.
The bank’s performance has also been recognised in the market, earning it the title of Best Regional Bank in East Africa while maintaining its position as the most valuable brand in Kenya.
Looking ahead, Equity Group plans to expand its presence to 15 countries and grow its customer base to 100 million by 2030 under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The lender is also increasing investment in advanced digital systems, including artificial intelligence, to improve service delivery, widen access to credit and insurance, and support its ambition of driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
