NCBA Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of KSh 23.4 billion for the financial year ended 2025, representing a 7.0 percent increase from the KSh 21.9 billion recorded in 2024. The performance caps a five-year strategic cycle that has seen the Group strengthen its balance sheet, expand its regional footprint and deepen its digital capabilities, while also delivering enhanced returns to shareholders through a 30 percent increase in dividend payout to KSh 11.7 billion.
At a surface level, the results reflect steady growth across key financial indicators. Profit before tax rose by 10.9 percent to KSh 27.9 billion, while operating income grew by 17.0 percent to KSh 73.3 billion. Customer deposits closed the year at KSh 532 billion, supported by continued expansion in both retail and corporate banking segments, while total assets rose to KSh 716 billion.
However, beyond these headline figures, the results point to a more consequential shift within the institution, one that underscores the increasing centrality of digital finance, diversification and strategic positioning in shaping the future of banking.
Digital Banking Moves to the Core of the Business
A defining feature of NCBA’s performance is the scale of its digital operations. The Group disbursed KSh 1.4 trillion in digital loans during the year, representing a 33 percent increase, while its digital business contributed 32 percent of total profitability, generating KSh 9.0 billion in profit before tax.
This level of contribution signals a structural transition in the bank’s operating model. Digital channels are no longer supplementary; they are now a primary driver of growth, customer engagement and revenue generation. The continued investment in digital platforms, data capabilities and partnerships—particularly with telecommunications players—has positioned NCBA as a leading force in digital financial services across the region.
Closing One Chapter, Opening Another
The 2025 financial year marks the conclusion of NCBA’s 2020–2025 strategy, which was anchored on customer experience, retail expansion, corporate banking leadership, digital transformation and organizational performance. Over this period, the Group expanded its branch network from 89 to 123, doubled its customer base and maintained market leadership in asset finance with over 30 percent market share.
Corporate banking remains a significant pillar, with deposits reaching KSh 215 billion and transaction banking volumes increasing, supported by solutions such as the regional cloud-based platform, NCBA ConnectPlus. Meanwhile, innovations such as the AI-powered Carduka platform have broadened customer reach, adding millions of users and reinforcing the Group’s digital proposition.
Emerging Pressures Beneath Growth
Despite the strong performance, the results also reflect emerging pressures within the operating environment. Provisions for credit losses rose sharply by 46.3 percent to KSh 8.0 billion, pointing to elevated credit risk in a challenging macroeconomic context characterized by inflationary pressures and shifting borrower dynamics.
This underscores a key balancing act for the Group, sustaining growth in lending, particularly through digital channels, while maintaining asset quality and managing risk exposure effectively.
The Ubuntu Strategy: A Forward-Looking Agenda
Building on the foundation of the past five years, NCBA has unveiled its 2026–2030 “Ubuntu Strategy,” anchored on the purpose “Banking on Belief – Empowering Ambitions.” The strategy signals a forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening core operations, scaling high-growth segments such as SME, consumer, wealth and insurance, expanding into new markets, and developing a future-ready organizational model.
At its core, the strategy reflects an evolution from growth through expansion to growth through optimization, innovation and ecosystem integration. It places a strong emphasis on data as a driver of decision-making, product development and customer experience.
Strategic Expansion and Regional Positioning
The proposed acquisition of a 66 percent stake in NCBA by Nedbank introduces an additional dimension to the Group’s outlook. If concluded, the transaction is expected to enhance NCBA’s capital position, broaden its access to international markets and unlock new growth opportunities beyond East Africa.
This potential partnership would also provide customers with access to a wider range of products and services, supported by global distribution networks in key financial centres. For the Group, it represents an opportunity to accelerate its strategic ambitions while reinforcing its regional relevance.
Beyond Financial Performance: Expanding Influence
NCBA’s impact extends beyond traditional banking metrics. Through its sustainability agenda, the Group has mobilized KSh 9.5 billion in green financing, supported over 1.2 million livelihoods and invested in community initiatives spanning environmental conservation, youth empowerment and the creative economy.
These initiatives reflect a broader shift in how financial institutions position themselves, not only as providers of capital, but as enablers of economic and social development.
A Defining Transition
NCBA’s 2025 results are, in many respects, a reflection of stability and disciplined execution. Yet, they also mark a point of transition. The Group is moving from a phase of consolidation and growth into one defined by strategic repositioning, deeper digital integration and expanded regional ambition.
In this context, the KSh 23.4 billion profit is not only an endpoint but also a foundation. The more significant story lies in how NCBA leverages this position to navigate emerging risks, capitalize on new opportunities and shape its role within an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving financial landscape.
