Equity Group has reported a 17% year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Kshs. 34.6 billion for the first half of 2025, up from Kshs. 29.6 billion, as its four-year transformation strategy begins to yield results despite a challenging operating environment.
The Group recorded its strongest quarterly profit before tax in history at Kshs. 22.9 billion in Q2 2025, surpassing the four-year quarterly average of Kshs. 14.8 billion. This was driven by a 9% increase in net interest income following an 18% drop in interest expenses, alongside a 2% reduction in total costs and a 34% decline in loan loss provisions.
Equity’s regional subsidiaries posted strong profit growth: Kenya (40%), Uganda (40%), Tanzania (75%), and DRC (22%). Regional banking now accounts for 49% of deposits, 50% of the loan book, and 50% of banking revenue.
The Group’s total assets grew by 3% to Kshs. 1.8 trillion, the loan book rose by 4% to Kshs. 825.1 billion, and customer deposits increased by 2% to Kshs. 1.32 trillion. Shareholders’ funds surged by 25%, and earnings per share improved 16% to Kshs. 8.8 from Kshs. 7.6.
Transformation journey
Since 2021, Equity has been implementing a comprehensive transformation plan, shifting its purpose from financial inclusion to championing private sector-led development financing under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP). The Group’s 2030 strategic plan targets presence in 15 countries and 100 million customers, supported by governance reforms, advanced digital infrastructure, and a customer-centric organizational culture.
Subsidiary highlights
- Kenya: Profit after tax rose to Kshs. 19.5 billion, net interest income increased by 18%, and return on equity reached 28.1%.
- DRC: Profit after tax grew to Kshs. 9.1 billion, with loans and advances rising 13%.
- Uganda: Profit after tax climbed to Kshs. 1.9 billion, with deposits up 5%.
- Rwanda: Total assets expanded 21%, driven by deposit and loan growth.
- Tanzania: Profit after tax increased 75% to Kshs. 1.1 billion.
Insurance growth
The Group’s insurance arm—comprising life, general, and health insurance—posted a 26% rise in profit before tax and 40% asset growth. Life Assurance gross written premiums jumped 58% to Kshs. 3.8 billion, while general insurance, launched this year, recorded Kshs. 1.36 billion in premiums within six months.
Social and sustainability impact
Through the Equity Group Foundation, the Group invested $715 million in social and sustainability programs, including education scholarships, MSME financing, clean energy, and healthcare expansion. Notably, 36.4 million trees have been planted, over 520,000 clean energy products distributed, and 3.98 million patients served through the Equity Afia network.
Equity Bank was recently named Best Regional Bank in East Africa at the African Banker Awards 2025 and retained its title as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the second year running.