Equity Group Profit Jumps 32% on Regional Strength and Digital Push

Equity Group Holdings Plc announced a robust financial performance for the first half of 2026, with its profit after tax surging by 32% to KSh45.5 billion. This significant increase, up from KSh34.6 billion in the same period last year, was bolstered by a 39% rise in profit before tax to KSh57.8 billion.

The Group's financial strength was attributed to a growing balance sheet, which expanded by 20% to KSh2.16 trillion, and enhanced contributions from its regional subsidiaries. Customer deposits climbed 21% to KSh1.59 trillion, and the loan book grew by 19% to KSh981 billion. Regional operations were particularly strong, accounting for 42% of banking profitability and 52% of banking revenue.

Equity Bank Tanzania led the regional growth with an 82% profit increase, while Equity BCDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo saw its profit after tax rise by 30% to KSh11.8 billion. Equity Rwanda also reported a 12% profit increase. The Group's overall net loans grew by 19% across various segments, with Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC showing notable contributions to loan growth.

Technology continues to be a cornerstone of Equity's strategy, with a significant shift towards digital channels. Currently, 98.3% of transactions occur outside physical branches, and 89.7% are handled through digital platforms like the Equity Mobile App and *247#. The Group serves 23.3 million customers digitally and has invested heavily in AI, with 82% of staff completing AI courses and hundreds enrolled in advanced AI and financial engineering programs. Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi highlighted that the results reflect a multi-year transformation focused on resilience, diversification, and technology, set against a backdrop of resilient regional economic growth.

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The Group's performance is unfolding against a backdrop of resilient regional economic growth.