Equity Group has achieved strong results and business growth across the region, solidifying its position as a systemic regional financial services provider and ranking second in three of the six markets in which it operates—Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda.
This strategic focus enabled the Group to deliver robust and sustainable growth, marked by a 7% year-on-year increase in customer deposits to UGX 36.3 trillion from UGX 34.1 trillion. This fueled a strategic 3% year-on-year expansion in net loans to UGX 22.1 trillion from UGX 21.4 trillion. Total assets rose by 4% year-on-year to UGX 47.9 trillion from UGX 46.5 trillion, underscoring the Group’s continued stability and capacity to drive economic transformation.
The Group reported strong profitability, achieving a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.9% and a Return on Assets (ROA) of 3.5%, with a Profit After Tax (PAT) of UGX 423.5 billion. Excluding South Sudan’s non-operational inflation accounting, profit before tax reflected an 8% increase from UGX 475.8 billion to UGX 517 billion.
Equity Group continues to integrate commercial, social, and sustainability priorities under its tri-engine approach to foster inclusive economic growth. It has maintained a legacy of resilience, governance, and agility, leveraging its business model to scale across diverse markets.
The Kenya subsidiary posted a 7% growth in deposits to UGX 21.8 trillion. Total revenue rose 19%, while non-funded income increased by 23% to UGX 208.2 billion, resulting in a 50% rise in profit before tax. Kenya’s return on assets and equity improved to 3.4% and 26.0%, respectively, and accounted for 51% of the Group’s total revenue.
Regional subsidiaries remain key contributors. Equity Bank Tanzania showed strong momentum with a 14% increase in deposits and 9% growth in loans year-on-year. Profit before tax surged 540%, with ROA and ROE at 3.2% and 22.6%, respectively.
EquityBCDC, pivotal to the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), recorded a 9% YoY growth in customer loans to UGX 6.9 trillion and an 8% rise in deposits to UGX 12.9 trillion, financing critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and MSMEs.
Regional subsidiaries now contribute 47% of total assets, 48% of net loans, and 45% of profit before tax, reaffirming Equity’s cross-border strategy and growing footprint in East and Central Africa.
Net interest income increased 3% from UGX 766.5 billion to UGX 787.2 billion, while total expenses dropped 1% to UGX 811.3 billion, yielding a profit before tax of UGX 514.3 billion.
The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio was 14%, lower than the 17.2% industry average, with an NPL coverage of 67%, highlighting strong asset quality.
Non-banking subsidiaries—investment banking, fintech, and insurance—continued their strong performance. The insurance business posted a 27% rise in profit before tax to UGX 11.4 billion, with over 15.3 million policies issued, 80% via digital channels.
The Group is acquiring a health insurance subsidiary license to complement its general and life assurance licenses, aiming to offer integrated insurance solutions across all customer segments. Equity Bancassurance Intermediary Limited continues to drive growth and insurance literacy.
The investment bank and tech arms recorded profitability increases of 142% and 10%, respectively, boosting diversification.
Equity’s digital transformation continues to scale, with 87% of all transactions processed through digital channels. The Equity Mobile App and USSD handled 39.5 million transactions worth UGX 25.9 trillion, up from UGX 19.8 trillion. Equitel processed 92 million transactions, up from 65.2 million. EazzyFX recorded UGX 811.2 billion in transaction value, up from UGX 662.8 billion, while Equity Online saw UGX 1.15 trillion in transacted value, up from UGX 990 billion. Pay With Equity (PWE) processed UGX 15.6 trillion across 1.1 million merchants.
The integrated ONE Equity platform continues to enhance cross-channel customer engagement.
Socially, Equity continues to make a difference. The Equity Leaders Program has supported 29,515 scholars, with 113 currently studying at top global universities. Over 9,700 paid internships and 3,979 TVET scholars have been supported to date.
In environmental efforts, the Group planted 35 million trees and distributed 494,543 clean energy products. Over UGX 5.5 trillion has been disbursed in climate finance, earning IFC recognition for the most climate-related transactions globally.
Through Young Africa Works, Equity has disbursed UGX 9.7 trillion to 350,149 MSMEs. Over 2.49 million women and youth received financial education, and 653,372 MSMEs were trained. Its social protection programs reached 5.82 million people with UGX 4.6 trillion in cash transfers. Equity Afia Clinics recorded 3.66 million visits across 134 facilities.
Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, said:
“Our focus on financial inclusion, regional expansion, and sustainable growth will continue to position us as a catalyst for economic empowerment across Africa. Our recent recognition as a Superbrand in East Africa and 16 awards at the 20th Think Business Banking Awards—including CEO of the Year and top honors in nine categories—affirms our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer impact.”
