…Profit before tax rose 34% year-on-year to $657 million, driven by strong revenue growth, cost discipline, and the focused execution of the Group’s Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy.
…Return on tangible equity (ROTE), a key measure of profitability, was 31.2%
…Record cost-to-income ratio (CIR) of 48.0% and generated 14% positive operating leverage, reflecting the benefits of the diversified, pan-African business model.
WED OCT 29 2025-theGBJournal| Ecobank Group has announced unaudited financial results for the first nine months of 2025, reporting a profit before tax of $657 million, up 34% from the prior year.
Earnings per share rose 36% to 1.29 US cents ($0.01), underpinned by sustained revenue momentum, disciplined cost management, and prudent risk practices.
Net revenue grew 18% to $1.8 billion, reflecting broad-based strength across business lines and regions.
Operating efficiency continued to improve, with the cost-to-income ratio (CIR) declining to 48.0%, a record low for the Group.
Ecobank generated 14% positive operating leverage, as net revenue growth (+18% year-on-year) outpaced operating expense growth (+4%).
The balance sheet remained resilient, supported by strong liquidity and capital buffers. Gross loans increased $1.7 billion year-to-date to $12.2 billion, while customer deposits rose $3.7 billion to $24.1 billion.
Asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio reducing to 5.3% from 7.0% in Q1 2024. This reflects the continued success of loan recovery and risk remediation initiatives.
The Group maintained a sound capital position, with an estimated CET1 ratio of 12.9% and total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 16.8%, both comfortably above regulatory minimums.
Ecobank’s diversified earnings continued to underpin performance. Non-interest revenue (NIR) accounted for 42.4% of total revenue, with payments contributing 29.7% of NIR. Payment revenue rose 13% to $221 million, driven by a strong performance in wholesale payments and cards.
Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) delivered profit before tax of $526 million, up 43%, supported by robust origination and cross-selling.
Consumer and Commercial Banking (CCB) achieved $354 million profit before tax, up 21%, driven by a clear segmentation strategy, growth in deposits, digital channels, and customer engagement initiatives.
The Group’s performance underscores Ecobank’s earnings resilience and capacity to generate strong returns despite a dynamic operating environment.
As macroeconomic conditions stabilise and rates normalise, Ecobank remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, digital innovation, and strengthening its leadership as Africa’s premier pan-regional banking group.
CEO Jeremy Awori, said ”we are pleased about the significant progress we are making on our strategic priorities, transformative initiatives, and partnerships that will enable us to grow faster in the future and provide more efficient and better customer services.”
Meanwhile, Ecobank begins its 40th anniversary celebrations this October, and Awori expresses gratitude ”to all those who have helped build the foundation upon which we continue to deliver financial solutions to businesses, governments, and households, fostering economic and financial integration across Africa.”
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
