Equity Group Holdings Plc has delivered a powerful financial performance in the first half of 2026, with profit after tax surging 32% to KSh45.5 billion from KSh34.6 billion a year earlier. The result underscores the Group’s growing strength across its banking, insurance and regional operations.The lender’s total income jumped 25% to KSh124.9 billion, while net interest income increased from KSh59.3 billion to KSh69.3 billion.
Non-funded income was a major driver of growth, rising 36% to KSh55.6 billion and contributing nearly half of the Group’s total income.Equity’s balance sheet expanded significantly during the period, reaching KSh2.16 trillion, a 20% increase. Customer deposits grew 21% to KSh1.59 trillion, while net loans rose 19% to KSh981 billion. Shareholders’ funds also strengthened by 27% to KSh350 billion, reflecting the Group’s expanding financial base.Equity Group CEO and Managing Director Dr James Mwangi said the results demonstrate the impact of the Group’s multi-year strategy centred on diversification, regional growth, resilience and technology. He also pointed to positive economic prospects across Equity’s operating markets, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the DRC and South Sudan.Digital banking continued to transform the Group’s business, with 98.3% of transactions now taking place outside physical branches and 89.7% processed through digital channels. Equity has also invested in preparing its workforce for emerging technologies, with 82% of employees completing a business-oriented generative AI course and hundreds undertaking advanced studies in financial engineering and artificial intelligence.
The Group also recorded notable improvements in credit quality. Non-performing loans dropped from 13.7% to 9.5%, while non-performing loan coverage increased from 68% to 70%. Loan-loss provisions fell by 6%, with the cost of risk improving from 1.7% to 1.4%, pointing to stronger risk management and a healthier loan portfolio.Regional subsidiaries continued to provide a substantial boost to overall earnings, accounting for 42% of banking profitability and 52% of revenue. Equity BCDC in the DRC increased profit after tax by 30% to KSh11.8 billion, Rwanda posted a 12% rise to KSh2.9 billion, while Tanzania recorded an exceptional 82% increase to KSh2 billion. Equity Bank Kenya itself reported a 32% rise in profit to KSh25.7 billion.
Beyond its core banking operations, Equity reported growth in insurance, healthcare, education, enterprise development and climate initiatives. Its insurance business increased gross written premiums by 24% to KSh6.4 billion, while Equity Afya expanded to 156 medical centres. Through the Equity Group Foundation, more than 60,000 scholars have been supported cumulatively, over one million entrepreneurs trained and more than 48.7 million trees planted. Looking to 2030, Equity aims to operate in 15 countries, reach 100 million customers and use next-generation digital and AI technologies to expand access to transformation finance across Africa.
