Ecobank Reports 34% Profit Jump to $657 Million, Celebrates 40 Years of Growth

Ecobank Group has reported a profit before tax of $657 million for the first nine months of 2025, disclosing a 34% year-on-year increase. 

The pan-African banking group recorded net revenue of $1.8 billion, supported by strong earnings growth, disciplined cost control, and focused implementation of its Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy.

The Group’s earnings per share climbed by 36% to 1.29 US cents ($0.01), revealing solid operating performance across its subsidiaries. 

Ecobank also achieved a record cost-to-income ratio of 48%, showing the benefits of its diversified business model and effective cost management. The bank’s return on tangible equity (ROTE) stood at 31.2%, stressing the sustained profitability and shareholder value creation.

Its balance sheet was firm throughout the period, with gross loans rising to $12.2 billion and customer deposits reaching $24.1 billion. Asset quality improved significantly, with the non-performing loan ratio dropping to 5.3% from 7.0% in the first quarter of 2024. 

Capital strength was maintained, as Ecobank reported a CET1 ratio of 12.9% and a total capital adequacy ratio of 16.8%, both comfortably above regulatory requirements.

Non-interest revenue contributed 42.4% of total revenue, showing the Group’s continued progress in diversifying income streams. 

Payments were a key growth area, accounting for nearly 30% of non-interest revenue and generating $221 million, a 13% year-on-year increase driven by strong performance in wholesale payments and card operations.

Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) delivered a profit before tax of $526 million, up 43%, while Consumer and Commercial Banking (CCB) posted $354 million, a 21% increase. 

The growth in both divisions was supported by higher deposits, stronger client engagement, and sustained digital adoption across markets.

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

“These results demonstrate the ongoing success of our Growth, Transformation, and Returns (GTR) strategy, the advantages of our diversified and synergistic business model, and a steadily improving economic environment across our key markets.”

Awori also noted the pace of Ecobank’s revenue expansion, “We are encouraged by our group-wide revenue growth of 18% (totalling $1.8 billion), which has been the fastest in a decade, with each line of business performing well. 

“In Corporate and Investment banking (CIB), revenues grew by 18%, supported by focused client account planning, strong origination and execution discipline, and better cross-selling and product offerings. In Consumer and Commercial Banking (CCB), revenues increased by 13%, driven by significant growth in active customers, deposits, and investments in various initiatives aimed at serving our customers better.”

He further outlined the bank’s digital transformation initiative and inclusion strategy:

“We invested in and improved our digital channels and mobile banking, as well as approximately 400 new state-of-the-art ATMs across our network, which will enhance the customer experience and help drive financial inclusion. 

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

In the payments and fintech segment, Ecobank saw solid growth and profit:

“In our Payments, Fintech, and Cross-border Remittances business, revenues rose by 13% to $221 million, which accounted for 13% of our group-wide revenues, primarily driven by a 20% increase in Disbursement Services, and a 14% growth in Cards.”

Beyond profit, as Ecobank celebrates its 40th anniversary, Awori acknowledged the role of partners and customers in the Group’s continued success:

“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. 

“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.”

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