Ecobank Group has reported a profit before tax of $398 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 23 per cent increase from the same period last year. 

The rise in earnings was driven by stronger revenue and improved operating efficiency across its regional and business segments.

In a statement, the Pan-African bank said net revenue grew by 12 per cent year-on-year to $1.1 billion, while its cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.1 per cent, the best it has seen in over a decade. 

Customer deposits also grew by $3.4 billion during the period, reaching $23.9 billion, with a large share of these in low-cost current and savings accounts.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Group, Jeremy Awori, disclosed that the Group’s financial performance for the first half of 2025 demonstrated resilience in the face of macroeconomic uncertainties. 

“This showcases the advantages provided by the Group’s diversified business model and the effectiveness of our Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy,” he said

Growth

The Corporate and Investment Banking division recorded a strong performance, with profit before tax rising 44 per cent to $323 million. 

According to the Group, this was supported by better asset and liability management and increasing client demand for trade finance and foreign exchange services.

The Consumer and Commercial Banking division also contributed to overall growth, delivering a 10 per cent rise in profit before tax to $216 million. 

The performance was boosted by steady growth in the small and medium-sized enterprises segment, as well as in services for high-value individual clients.

Ecobank’s regional results showed broad-based improvements. 

Francophone West Africa posted a 12 per cent increase in profit before tax to $176 million, while Anglophone West Africa delivered $175 million, up 19 per cent, a rise attributed to Ghana’s positive performance.

Digital drive

In the last six months, Ecobank has stepped up investments in its digital infrastructure and customer experience platforms.

A major development in this area is the Group’s partnership with Google Cloud, aimed at improving data architecture, enhancing security and driving payment innovation across the continent.

The bank also said it had rolled out hundreds of new ATMs and invested in technology for loan management, transaction banking and wealth management. 

These are expected to improve service delivery and reach more customers in underserved areas.

“As the Group approaches its 40th anniversary, we remain committed to delivering world-class financial services, deepening inclusion and unlocking long-term value for customers, partners, shareholders and communities across Africa,” he said.

Strategy

Ecobank said it would continue to pursue its GTR strategy to drive performance in the second half of the year. 

The Group remains focused on innovation, operational excellence and regional integration to support long-term growth across Africa.

Management emphasised that the Group’s diversified presence in over 30 African countries positions it well to weather economic shocks and benefit from new opportunities in trade, technology and financial inclusion.

“We are building for the future by investing in systems, people and platforms that create value across the ecosystem,” he said.