NAIROBI, Kenya — Equity Group Holdings Plc has reported the most profitable year in Kenyan corporate history, posting a 55 percent rise in after-tax profit to KSh 75.5 billion for the 2025 financial year.
The stellar performance reflects a major transformation in the Group’s revenue model. For the first time, subsidiaries outside Kenya contributed about half of the Group’s banking profits, highlighting the impact of geographic diversification. Coupled with a sharp reduction in the cost of service through digital migration, the Group’s total assets rose to KSh 1.97 trillion.
The board has recommended a dividend of KSh 5.75 per share, marking a 35.3 percent increase from the previous year, signaling strong confidence in liquidity and capital strength.
Regional Growth Drives Profits
Equity Group’s “Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan” is delivering strong returns in frontier markets. While Equity Bank Kenya remained a key contributor with a 63 percent profit increase to KSh 39.2 billion, the East African subsidiaries posted remarkable growth.
The Democratic Republic of Congo unit recorded a 58 percent rise in profits to KSh 24.7 billion, while the Uganda operation reported an extraordinary 500 percent increase to KSh 3.6 billion. Tanzania followed with a 125 percent profit boost, reinforcing the Group’s position as a leading regional financial services player.
Digital Transformation and Efficiency Gains
Cost discipline and digital adoption were central to performance, driving the Group’s cost-to-income ratio down to 51 percent from 58.2 percent in FY2024. Approximately 98 percent of customer transactions now occur outside branches, with 88.4 percent fully digital, enabling the Group to scale its 22.4 million customer base efficiently.
Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO, said, “Our results reflect the success of our strategic transformation into a diversified, regional financial group. We are moving beyond traditional banking to mobilize capital and connect ecosystems across Africa.”
Expanding Non-Banking Revenue
Equity Insurance Group has become an important contributor to non-interest income. Following the acquisition of multiple insurance licenses, gross written premiums rose 75 percent to KSh 9.17 billion, driving a 36 percent increase in pre-tax profits. Equity Life Assurance now serves 6.9 million customers.
Looking Ahead
The Group remains optimistic about growth opportunities in DRC, Tanzania, and Uganda, particularly due to the ongoing mineral boom. Despite recent oil price volatility, the Group expects stabilization to ease inflationary pressures in East Africa.
By 2030, Equity Group aims to serve 100 million customers across 15 countries, leveraging AI and advanced digital infrastructure to further reduce costs.
FY2025 Key Figures
Net Profit: KSh 75.5 billion (+55%)
Total Assets: KSh 1.97 trillion (+9%)
Net Interest Income: KSh 90 billion (+17%)
Cost-to-Income Ratio: 51% (down from 58.2%)
Dividend: KSh 5.75 per share (KSh 7 billion total)
