Equity Group has registered a strong first‑half performance for 2026, underscoring its continued regional leadership and the momentum of its transformation into a resilient, people-centric, technology‑enabled pan‑African financial services institution. In this regard, its profit after tax rose to Kshs. 45.5 billion from Kshs. 34.6 billion for the same period in 2025, a reflection of improved balance sheet quality and growth, rising contributions from its regional subsidiaries and increased non-funded income contribution.
Additionally, the interest income continued to strengthen, rising to Kshs. 69.3 billion from Kshs. 59.3 billion, while the total income grew to Kshs. 124.9 billion, up from Kshs. 100.2 billion. The balance sheet also continued its upward trajectory, expanding by 20% to Kshs. 2.16 trillion. This growth was anchored by a 21% rise in customer deposits to Kshs. 1.59 trillion and a 19% increase in net loans to Kshs. 981 billion, demonstrating sustained customer confidence and strong credit demand across the markets where Equity operates. Shareholders’ funds grew by 27% to Kshs. 350 billion, reinforcing the Group’s capital strength.
Fast growth
While releasing these results Dr James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO noted : “The Group’s performance is unfolding against a backdrop of resilient regional economic growth. Kenya is projected to expand by 4.5%-5%, the Democratic Republic of Congo by 5.6%, Tanzania by 5.9%, Uganda by 6.4%, Rwanda by 6.8%, and South Sudan by 20%.” He added : “ These growth rates are supported by firm commodity prices and policy reforms and are expected to sustain, making the region where we operate one of the fastest growing in the world. Equity’s half-year 2026 performance is the outcome of a multiyear transformation agenda focused on resilience, diversification, and technology enablement. The Group has repositioned its operating model, strengthened its regional presence, and invested heavily in digital and AI‑enabled capabilities to build an institution equipped for the future.”
Gone digital
The lender’s operational efficiency continued to improve, with the cost‑to‑income ratio improving to 48.6% from 51.7%, driven by productivity gains, shared services, and a decisive customer shift toward digital channels. Return on assets stood at 4.5%, while return on equity reached 26.5%, demonstrating strong asset productivity and disciplined capital allocation.
Digital adoption continues to accelerate across the Group, with 98.3% of all transactions now occurring outside branches and 89.7% processed through digital platforms. These trends highlight customers’ growing preference for Equity’s digital ecosystem and the reliability of its technology infrastructure.
Subsidiaries
Equity Bank Kenya’s recovery momentum continued posting a 32% increase in profit after tax to Kshs. 25.7 billion (H1 2025: KSh19.5 billion) demonstrating strong leadership in the Kenya market with a 13% growth in assets underpinned by a 24% deposits growth and 8% loans growth. The bank recorded a return on average assets and a return on average equity of 4.8% and 34.7% respectively, all while maintaining its micro, small and medium enterprises ( MSMEs) leadership by disbursing 36% of the Kshs. 101 billion MSMEs loans issued in Kenya between January and March 2026.
Regional subsidiaries delivered strong performance, now contributing 42% and 47% of the Group’s banking profitability and revenue respectively, 51% of Group deposits, 54% of Group loans and 52% of Group banking assets. This is a testament to the success of the Group’s pan‑African expansion strategy. Equity BCDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo achieved a 30% rise in profit after tax to Kshs. 11.8 billion. Additionally, the profit after tax of Equity Rwanda grew by 12% to Kshs. 2.9 billion, and Equity Tanzania delivered exceptional performance with 82% growth to Kshs. 2.0 billion.
