Ecobank Group has posted its strongest half-year performance to date, recording a 23% rise in pre-tax profit to $398 million (CFA 225.25 billion) for the first six months of 2025, according to unaudited financial results released on Friday, August 1.
The pan-African banking giant achieved a 12% year-on-year increase in net banking income, reaching $1.1 billion (CFA 622.56 billion), while its cost-to-income ratio dropped to 49.1%—its best operational efficiency in over a decade.
“These results demonstrate our resilience in the face of macroeconomic uncertainties,” said Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Officer. “It illustrates the benefits of our diversified business model and the effectiveness of our Growth, Transformation and Return (GTR) strategy.”
Customer confidence in the bank has also strengthened, with deposits rising by $3.4 billion (CFA 1,924 billion) to a total of $23.9 billion (CFA 13,524 billion). Notably, 83% of these funds are held in low-cost current and savings accounts.
The bank’s corporate and investment banking division posted a 44% rise in pre-tax profit to $323 million, propelled by strong client demand in foreign exchange and trade finance, along with improved balance sheet management.
Ecobank’s commercial and personal banking division recorded a 10% profit increase, reaching $216 million, buoyed by growth in SME financing and services to high-value clients.
Regionally, Francophone West Africa saw a 12% profit growth to $176 million, while Anglophone West Africa reported a 19% increase, driven by Ghana’s performance.
Nigeria, one of Ecobank’s key markets, achieved a 45% profit surge, despite ongoing economic headwinds. Meanwhile, the Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa division posted a 27% jump in pre-tax profit to $207 million.
The bank also reported improved asset quality, with the non-performing loan ratio reduced from 6.7% at the end of 2024 to 5.7%. Capital and liquidity levels remain robust, at approximately 300 basis points above regulatory thresholds.
In line with its ongoing digital transformation, Ecobank has significantly upgraded its technological infrastructure, including hundreds of new ATMs and next-gen banking platforms. A landmark partnership with Google Cloud—the first of its kind for an African bank—will enhance data security, payment innovation, and digital services.
“As the group prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, we remain firmly committed to providing inclusive and sustainable financial services,” said Mr Awori. “Our focus is on strengthening financial inclusion and creating long-term value for customers, partners, shareholders and communities across Africa.”
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