Equity Group has posted a 17% growth in profit after tax to Kshs. 34.6 billion for the half year ended June 2025, up from Kshs. 29.6 billion last year. The record-breaking results are credited to a sweeping transformation strategy that is reshaping the bank into a pan-African financial powerhouse.
In its strongest quarterly performance ever, Equity recorded Kshs. 22.9 billion profit before tax in Q2 2025, surpassing its four-year quarterly average of Kshs. 14.8 billion. “We are not making incremental changes; we are reinventing the business,” said Dr. James Mwangi , Group MD & CEO. “Our transformation is designed to position Equity as a leader in socio-economic transformation and private sector-led development across Africa.”
Transformation Driving Growth
Four years ago, Equity launched a bold self-disruption plan anchored on the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) , aiming to operate in 15 countries and serve 100 million customers by 2030. The strategy has involved:
- Overhauling governance and leadership for transparency and agility.
- Deploying 4th Industrial Revolution-ready technology with AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
- Redefining customer solutions to target industries, demographics, and value chains.
- Embedding a culture of customer-centricity, innovation, and professionalism .
Regional Performance Highlights
Equity’s regional subsidiaries now contribute 50% of deposits, loans, and revenue , underscoring its evolution from a Kenyan bank to a regional banking leader :
- Kenya : Profit up 40% to Kshs. 19.5B.
- Uganda : Profit up 40% to Kshs. 1.9B.
- Tanzania : Profit up 75% to Kshs. 1.1B.
- DRC : Profit up 22% to Kshs. 9.1B.
- Rwanda : Assets up 21%, with return on equity at 29.6%.
Solid Financial Position
The Group’s balance sheet remains robust, anchored on prudent growth and strong capital buffers. The loan book expanded by 4% to Kshs. 825.1 billion, while customer deposits grew by 2% to Kshs. 1.32 trillion. Total assets rose by 3% to Kshs. 1.8 trillion, and shareholders’ funds climbed by 25%, reflecting sustained investor confidence. With a loan-to-deposit ratio of 62.5% and a liquidity ratio of 58.6%, Equity is well-positioned to support future lending growth and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Diversifying into Insurance
Equity’s insurance business, spanning life, general, and health, is gaining impressive traction in a short period. The life insurance arm recorded a remarkable 58% increase in gross written premiums to Kshs. 3.8 billion , while the general insurance division achieved Kshs. 1.36 billion in premiums within just six months of operation. Overall, the Equity Insurance Group posted a 26% growth in profit before tax , with total assets expanding by 40% to Kshs. 31.48 billion , signaling a strong growth trajectory in the non-banking segment.
Digital and Social Impact
Over 98% of transactions now occur outside branches, with 87.4% on digital channels. Meanwhile, the Equity Group Foundation invested Kshs. 715 million in scholarships, entrepreneurship training, and enterprise development, supported 29,515 university scholars, planted 36.4 million trees , distributed 520,549 clean energy products , and disbursed Kshs. 363.09B to MSMEs under the Young Africa Works program.
Recognition and Outlook
Equity was named Best Regional Bank in East Africa at the African Banker Awards 2025 and retained its crown as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the second year running.
With transformation gains now clearly visible in profitability, regional strength, and social impact, Equity is poised to accelerate its 2030 ambition , combining financial growth with sustainable socio-economic transformation .
