Equity Group Posts Kshs 15.4B Profit, Powers Regional Growth
Equity Group Posts Kshs 15.4B Profit, Powers Regional Growth
Demonstrating strategic agility and resilience in a dynamic global economic environment, Equity Group https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/ has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Kshs 15.4 billion for Q1 2025. This robust performance reflects prudent cost management and the successful execution of its diversified regional strategy.
The Group’s customer deposits grew by 7% year-on-year to Kshs 1.32 trillion, while net loans expanded by 3% to Kshs 804.7 billion.
Total assets increased by 4% to Kshs 1.75 trillion, underscoring the bank’s financial strength. Return on Equity stood at 23.9% and Return on Assets at 3.5%, confirming strong profitability.
Net interest income rose by 3% to Kshs 28.6 billion, while total expenses decreased by 1% to Kshs 29.5 billion, leading to a pre-tax profit of Kshs 18.7 billion.
The Non-Performing Loan ratio remained below the industry average at 14%, with an NPL coverage of 67%, reflecting strong asset quality.
Regional Growth and Diversification Drive Profitability
Equity’s regional subsidiaries contributed significantly to the Group’s performance, accounting for 47% of assets, 48% of net loans, and 45% of profit before tax.
In the DRC, customer loans rose by 9% and deposits by 8%, anchored by EquityBCDC’s role in financing key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and MSMEs.
In Tanzania, the bank posted a 540% increase in profit before tax, with deposits up 14% and loans 9% higher year-on-year. Rwanda and Uganda also recorded growth in both lending and customer deposits.
In Kenya, the Group’s largest subsidiary grew deposits by 7% to Kshs 792.7 billion, with non-funded income rising 23% and pre-tax profit increasing by 50%.
The Group’s non-banking subsidiaries continue to perform strongly. Its insurance unit saw a 27% rise in Profit Before Tax, having issued over 15.3 million policies—80% distributed digitally. The investment bank and tech arms grew profitability by 142% and 10%, respectively.
Sustainability, Digital Innovation, and Social Impact
Equity’s strategic tri-engine model—commercial, social, and environmental—continues to guide its investments in sustainability and inclusive development. Under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), the bank is catalyzing inclusive economic growth through partnerships with AfDB, Microsoft, Mastercard, and the World Food Programme. These collaborations support MSMEs, agriculture, and digital inclusion.
Equity has secured over Kshs 27 billion in credit guarantees through the African Guarantee Fund to improve access to finance for women and youth. Through Young Africa Works, the bank has disbursed Kshs 353 billion to MSMEs and trained over 653,000 businesses.
Digital banking remains a cornerstone of the Group’s success. Today, 87% of all transactions are processed through digital platforms.
Additionally, the Equity Mobile App, USSD, and Equitel collectively processed over 130 million transactions worth nearly Kshs 1.7 trillion. Equity’s merchant platform, Pay With Equity, handled Kshs 567.6 billion across over 1.1 million merchants.
Equity continues to prioritize healthcare and education. Its Equity Afia Clinics have recorded 3.66 million visits, while the Equity Leaders Program has supported over 29,500 scholars, including 113 on global scholarships.
Finally, Dr. James Mwangi, Group CEO, concluded, “Our focus on financial inclusion, regional expansion, and sustainable growth will enable us to continue being a catalyst for economic empowerment and resilience across Africa.”
