Equity Group has posted a 16.9 per cent jump in net profit for the first half of 2025, buoyed by robust earnings and reduced interest expenses. The regional lender recorded a profit after tax of Ksh 34.6 billion for the six months ending June, compared to Ksh 29.6 billion in the same period last year.
Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi attributed the performance to the bank’s four-year transformation strategy, which focuses on governance, systems, infrastructure, and market expansion. “The execution of the strategic business plan has started to reflect on the balance sheet and performance of the Group in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade, and investment, as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that populate the eco-systems of the formal sector. This is likely to significantly and increasingly transform the structure and performance of the Group,” said Mwangi.
Net interest income rose to Ksh 59.3 billion from Ksh 54.4 billion, supported by a notable reduction in interest expenses. The lender cut these costs by Ksh 5.5 billion to Ksh 25 billion, down from Ksh 30.5 billion a year earlier. Mwangi noted that continued execution of the strategy has transformed the balance sheet and profit structure, creating greater resilience in performance.
The bank’s profitability was reinforced by its regional subsidiaries, with the exception of Rwanda. In Kenya, net profit rose by 40 per cent to Ksh 19.5 billion. Equity Bank South Sudan’s profit after tax grew at the same rate to reach Ksh 1.9 billion.
The Democratic Republic of Congo unit Equity’s second-largest subsidiary reported a 22 per cent increase in net profit to Ksh 9.1 billion, while Equity Bank Tanzania registered the fastest growth, with profits soaring 75 per cent to Ksh 1.1 billion.
The half-year results highlight Equity Group’s ability to leverage its diversified operations and strategic investments to sustain earnings growth in a challenging economic environment. Analysts note that the lender’s focus on key growth sectors and operational efficiency will be critical to maintaining its upward trajectory through the remainder of the year.
