The Group reported net revenue of $1.3 billion, up 15% year-on-year, and profit before tax of $423 million, up 6%, supported by disciplined execution, operational efficiency and the strength of its diversified pan-African franchise. Alongside this growth, the Group improved operational efficiency with a record cost-to-income ratio down 48.4%.
The net revenue growth was underpinned by strong performances across both Corporate & Investment Banking and Consumer & Commercial Banking. Non-interest revenue continued to provide resilience, accounting for more than 41% of total revenues, while return on average tangible equity (ROTE) remained robust at 21.1%.
The Group continued to strengthen its position as one of Africa's leading payments banks. Payment revenues grew 10%, driven by higher wholesale payment volumes, increased merchant acquiring activity and continued growth in card-based services. Meanwhile, the value of digital transactions rose 33%, reflecting sustained customer adoption of Ecobank's digital platforms and payment solutions.
Performance showed broad-based growth across Ecobank's diversified pan-African network. Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA) delivered the strongest performance with net revenue increasing 20% to $470 million, while Anglophone West Africa (AWA) recorded a 16% increase in net revenue to $372 million. Francophone West Africa (UEMOA) remained resilient with net revenue rising 6% to $382 million. Nigeria delivered net revenue growth of 23%, while we continued to take actions to strengthen asset quality.
Originally published by African Business.