Nairobi — Equity Group Holdings Plc has posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Kshs 15.4 billion for the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong regional performance, efficient cost management, and continued execution of its diversified business model.
The Group’s total assets rose by 4% year-on-year to Kshs 1.75 trillion, while customer deposits climbed by 7% to Kshs 1.32 trillion. Net loans advanced by 3% to Kshs 804.7 billion.
Regional subsidiaries continued to play a critical role, contributing 47% of total assets and 45% of profit before tax (PBT), affirming the Group’s strategic expansion across East and Central Africa.
“We are proud of the resilience demonstrated by the Group amidst a challenging global economic landscape. Our financial strength gives us the flexibility to seize opportunities and deliver sustainable value for our customers, communities, and shareholders,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group.
Kenya Market Recovery and Regional Growth
Equity Bank Kenya showed strong recovery with: a 7% growth in deposits to Kshs 792.7 billion, a 19% increase in total revenue, a 50% rise in profit before tax and ROA and ROE improving to 3.4% and 26.0% respectively.
In Tanzania, PBT surged by 540%, with deposits up 14% and loans up 9%, while the DRC subsidiary EquityBCDC recorded 9% YoY loan growth to Kshs 252.1 billion and 8% rise in deposits to Kshs 468.4 billion.
Group Financial Highlights
Return on Equity (ROE): 23.9%; Return on Assets (ROA): 3.5%; Net Interest Income: Kshs 28.6 billion (up 3%); Total Expenses: Reduced by 1% to Kshs 29.5 billion; Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPL): 14%, below the industry average of 17.2% and NPL Coverage: 67%.
Diversification Through Non-Banking Arms
Equity’s non-banking subsidiaries—spanning investment banking, fintech, and insurance—delivered strong performances, bolstering the Group’s revenue streams: insurance PBT rose 27% to Kshs 414 million, 15.3 million insurance policies issued, 80% via digital platforms, Investment bank PBT grew by 142% and Fintech earnings increased by 10%.
The Group is in the process of acquiring a health insurance license, enhancing its capacity to offer holistic life, health, and wealth protection solutions.
Digital Dominance and Tech-Driven Services
Digital transactions now account for 87% of all customer operations.
Highlights include: Equity Mobile and USSD: 39.5M transactions worth Kshs 942.7B; Equitel: 92M transactions, up from 65.2M; EazzyFX: Kshs 29.5B in forex deals; Equity Online: Kshs 41.7B in digital transactions and Pay With Equity (PWE): Kshs 567.6B processed across 1.1M merchants.
Social Impact and Sustainability Leadership
Equity continues to lead in inclusive development and environmental responsibility: 29,515 students supported under the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), 3.66 million patients treated in 134 Equity Afia clinics, 494,543 clean energy products distributed, 35 million trees planted and over USD 200 million in climate finance extended.
Through the Young Africa Works program, the Group disbursed Kshs 353B to over 350,000 MSMEs and provided entrepreneurship training to more than 650,000 businesses.
The Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) continues to drive economic transformation through partnerships with institutions like AfDB, Microsoft, Mastercard, AGF, and the World Food Programme.
Equity Bank was recently honoured as a Superbrand in East Africa for the fourth time and dominated the 20th Think Business Banking Awards, winning in 16 categories, including CEO of the Year, Best in SME Banking, Best in Financial Literacy and Best in CSR and Agriculture Financing.
