Equity Group Holdings has reported a record-breaking financial performance for the full year 2025, cementing its position as the most profitable company in East and Central Africa.
The banking giant, led by Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi, announced that its profit after tax surged by 55% to KSh 75.5 billion (approximately $570 million), up from KSh 48.8 billion the previous year.
Strong Regional Expansion Drives Growth
Equity Group Holdings attributed its exceptional performance to robust regional expansion and increased contributions from its subsidiaries across Africa.
Subsidiaries contributed nearly 50% of total profitability, highlighting the success of the Group’s pan-African strategy. Key markets posted impressive growth figures:
- Equity BCDC (DRC): Profit growth of 58%
- Uganda: Profit growth of 500%
- Tanzania: Profit growth of 125%
This regional momentum underscores Equity Group’s growing influence beyond Kenya, positioning it as a dominant financial powerhouse in the region.
Balance Sheet Nears KSh 2 Trillion
Equity Group’s balance sheet expanded by 9% to reach KSh 1.97 trillion, reflecting sustained growth in assets and customer deposits.
Total income rose by 12% to KSh 217.7 billion, driven largely by a 17% increase in net interest income—demonstrating strong lending activity and improved revenue streams.
Digital Banking Fuels Efficiency
A major highlight of Equity Group’s performance is its continued shift toward digital banking. The Group reported that:
- Over 98% of all transactions were conducted outside physical branches
- 88.4% of transactions were processed through digital platforms
This digital transformation significantly improved operational efficiency, reducing the cost-to-income ratio from 58.2% to 51.0%.
Breaking Corporate Profitability Records
According to Dr. Mwangi, the Group’s performance marks a historic milestone in the region.
“We have broken the record for corporate profitability in the East African region.”
This achievement positions Equity Group as a benchmark for financial institutions across Africa, showcasing the power of innovation, regional integration, and customer-centric banking.
Outlook: Continued Growth and Innovation
With strong fundamentals, expanding regional presence, and continued investment in digital infrastructure, Equity Group is well-positioned for sustained growth.
The lender’s strategy of leveraging technology, deepening financial inclusion, and scaling operations across African markets is expected to drive even greater performance in the coming years.
