Ecobank profit soars 23% in first half of 2025
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Pan-African banking giant Ecobank Group has reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, with profit before tax jumping 23 percent year-on-year to USD398 million.
The Group’s unaudited results reflect solid growth, greater operational efficiency, and resilience amid macroeconomic challenges across its operating regions.
Net revenue rose 12 percent to USD1.1 billion, driven by increased client activity and strict cost discipline.
This performance pushed the Group’s cost-to-income ratio down to 49.1 percent, the lowest in over a decade, signaling significant gains in efficiency.
Customer deposits grew by USD3.4 billion year-on-year to USD23.9 billion, with 83 percent held in low-cost current and savings accounts.
The surge reflects rising customer confidence and successful execution of strategic priorities.
“The Group’s financial performance for the first half of 2025 demonstrated resilience in the face of macroeconomic uncertainties. It showcased the advantages of our diversified business model and the effectiveness of our Growth, Transformation, and Returns (GTR) strategy,” said Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group.
Divisional and Regional Performance
Ecobank’s Corporate and Investment Banking arm posted a stellar 44 percent increase in profit before tax, reaching USD323 million. This was driven by improved asset and liability management and rising demand for foreign exchange and trade finance products from institutional clients.
Consumer and Commercial Banking also delivered solid results, with a 10 percent increase in profit before tax to USD216 million, supported by continued growth in the SME segment and high-value retail clients.
Across its regional markets, the Group recorded strong performance. In Francophone West Africa, profit before tax climbed 12 percent to USD176 million. Anglophone West Africa delivered USD175 million in profit before tax, marking a 19 percent increase, with Ghana leading the sub-region’s momentum. Nigeria saw a significant recovery, with profit before tax surging 45 percent.
Meanwhile, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa posted a 27 percent rise in profit before tax, reaching USD207 million.
Asset Quality and Capital Position
Ecobank’s asset quality continued to improve, with its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio falling to 5.7 percent from 6.7 percent at the end of 2024. The Group remains well-capitalized, with buffers around 300 basis points above regulatory requirements.
Digital Transformation and Strategic Partnerships
In the past six months, Ecobank invested heavily in digital infrastructure, customer experience, and product innovation.
A landmark partnership with Google Cloud, the first of its kind by an African banking group, was announced to enhance data architecture, cybersecurity, and payment innovation.
The bank also deployed hundreds of new ATMs, launched advanced loan management systems, and upgraded platforms for transaction banking and wealth management as part of efforts to improve service delivery and customer engagement. “As the Group approaches its 40th anniversary, we remain committed to delivering world-class financial services, deepening financial inclusion, and unlocking long-term value for customers, partners, shareholders, and communities across Africa,” Mr. Awori affirmed.
