Ecobank Group has reported a profit before tax of $657 million during the first nine months of this year, up 34 percent from the same period in the prior year.

According to its unaudited financial results, earnings per share rose 36 percent to 1.29 US cents ($0.01), supported by sustained revenue momentum, disciplined cost management, and prudent risk practices. Net revenue grew 18 percent 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 percent — a record low for the Group. Ecobank generated 14 percent positive operating leverage, as net revenue growth of 18 percent year-on-year outpaced operating expense growth of 4 percent.

The balance sheet remained resilient, supported by strong liquidity and capital buffers. Gross loans increased by $1.7 billion year-to-date to $12.2 billion, while customer deposits rose by $3.7 billion to $24.1 billion. Asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio reducing to 5.3 percent from 7.0 percent in the first quarter of 2024. This improvement reflects the continued success of loan recovery and risk remediation initiatives.

The Group maintained a sound capital position, with an estimated Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.9 percent and a total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 16.8 percent, both comfortably above regulatory minimums.

Non-interest revenue (NIR) accounted for 42.4 percent of total revenue, with payments contributing 29.7 percent of NIR. Payment revenue rose 13 percent to $221 million, driven by strong performance in wholesale payments and cards.

Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) delivered profit before tax of $526 million, up 43 percent, supported by robust origination and cross-selling. Consumer and Commercial Banking (CCB) achieved $354 million profit before tax, up 21 percent, 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.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, said the results demonstrate the success of the bank’s Growth, Transformation, and Returns (GTR) strategy.

“We are pleased to report strong results for the nine months ending September 2025. Our return on tangible equity was 31.2 percent, tangible book value per share increased by 83 percent, and profit before tax rose 34 percent to $657 million. Our cost-to-income ratio improved from 54.5 percent in the same period last year to 48.0 percent,” Awori said.

He added that the results highlight the advantages of Ecobank’s diversified business model and the improving economic environment across key markets.

“We are encouraged by our group-wide revenue growth of 18 percent, totaling $1.8 billion — the fastest in a decade. In Corporate and Investment Banking, revenues grew by 18 percent, supported by focused client account planning, strong origination and execution discipline, and better cross-selling and product offerings,” he said.

In Consumer and Commercial Banking, revenues increased by 13 percent, driven by significant growth in active customers, deposits, and investments in initiatives aimed at improving customer service.

Awori noted that the Group has invested in and improved its digital channels and mobile banking platforms, as well as introduced approximately 400 new state-of-the-art ATMs across its network to enhance customer experience and promote financial inclusion.

“We have also significantly enhanced our Ellevate programme to support women entrepreneurs throughout Africa, renewed our focus on the agricultural sector, and improved digital account opening, wealth management services, and lending,” he said.

In Payments, Fintech, and Cross-border Remittances, revenues rose by 13 percent to $221 million, representing 13 percent of group-wide revenues. This performance was primarily driven by a 20 percent increase in Disbursement Services and a 14 percent growth in Cards.

Awori said the Group is making significant progress on its strategic priorities, transformative initiatives, and partnerships that will enable faster growth and more efficient customer service in the future.

“As Ecobank begins its 40th anniversary celebrations this October, we are grateful 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,” Awori concluded.