Equity Group Holdings has reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, posting a 24 percent increase in profit after tax to KSh19.1 billion, up from KSh15.4 billion recorded during the same period last year.
In a press statement released on May 19, 2026, the regional banking giant attributed the impressive growth to its ongoing transformation into a technology-led pan-African financial institution, coupled with strong contributions from its regional subsidiaries.
The Group’s balance sheet expanded by 16 percent to KSh2.04 trillion, supported by a 13 percent rise in customer deposits and a 9 percent growth in net loans. According to the company, the growth reflects increasing customer confidence and expanding economic activity across East and Central Africa.
Regional subsidiaries delivered remarkable performances, with Equity Bank Tanzania recording a massive 150 percent increase in profit after tax. Equity Bank Rwanda grew by 36 percent, while Equity Bank DRC posted a 32 percent rise in profits.
Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the results demonstrate the success of the institution’s long-term transformation strategy.
“Our Q1 performance reflects the success of our deliberate transformation into a diversified, regional, technology-led financial services Group. We are building a future-ready institution anchored in digital capabilities, staff upskilling, and disciplined execution,” he stated.
Equity Group also revealed that 98.3 percent of all customer transactions are now happening outside banking halls, with nearly 90 percent processed through digital platforms. The lender has heavily invested in artificial intelligence, digital banking infrastructure, and staff training to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The company’s insurance business also continued its strong rise, with gross written premiums growing by 30 percent to KSh4.5 billion and profit before tax increasing by 53 percent.
Meanwhile, the Group highlighted major achievements under the Equity Group Foundation, including supporting over 12,844 active high school scholars, training more than one million entrepreneurs, and planting over 45 million trees across Africa.
Looking ahead, Equity Group said it is preparing for the next phase of growth under its 2030 Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which targets expansion into 15 countries and reaching 100 million
