Get Guardian on GoogleEcobank Group has posted a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of $737 million in its nine months operations, representing 12 per cent increase year-on-year. Its net revenue also rose by 12 per cent to $2.0 billion.
In its financial results for the first nine months of 2026, growth was supported by continued focus on operational efficiency, customer deposit mobilisation, technology investments and disciplined execution of the Group’s Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy.
The bank continued to strengthen its balance sheet, with customer deposits growing to $27.5 billion, while maintaining a strong liquidity and capital position. The group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 47.8 per cent, ahead of its target range of 48 per cent to 50 per cent, reflecting ongoing efficiency initiatives across the business.
According to the bank, performance was supported by Ecobank’s diversified business model and geographic footprint. The bank said CESA delivered a 20 per cent increase in Profit Before Tax, while AWA recorded 10 per cent growth, offsetting softer results in Francophone West Africa (UEMOA) and Nigeria.
” These results demonstrate the resilience of the Group’s franchise across multiple markets. The group also continued to benefit from balanced contributions from its corporate and investment banking and commercial and consumer banking businesses.
“Ecobank’s payments and digital businesses remained important growth drivers. Payment revenue increased by 9%, supported by sustained investment in technology platforms and digital capabilities designed to enhance customer experience and expand financial inclusion across Africa.”
Group Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Jeremy Awori, said: “We achieved a profit before tax of $737 million, an increase of 12 per cent year-on-year, and a return on tangible equity of 24.9%. Net revenue also grew by 12%, reaching $2.0 billion.”
Awori continued, “Our Growth, Transformation, and Returns strategy is clearly reflected in our efficiency and franchise performance. Our cost-to-income ratio was 47.8 per cent, ahead of our 2026 target range of 48 per cent to 50 per cent. Customer deposits rose 14 per cent to $27.5 billion, with current and savings accounts accounting for 85 per cent of the total. This reflects the confidence and trust our customers have in us and in using us for their day-to-day banking. This growth has helped mitigate margin pressure from the rate-easing cycle in our markets, lifting net interest income by 12 per cent.
“Payment revenue also rose nine per cent, supported by our continued investment in technology and digital platforms. The strength of our diversified business model was evident as profit before tax increased by 20 per cent in Central Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA) and by 10 per cent in Anglophone West Africa (AWA), offsetting softer results in Francophone West Africa (UEMOA) and Nigeria.”
Awori added, “Our non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained broadly stable during the quarter at 7.5 per cent, which is within our 2026 target range of six per cent to eight per cent, reflecting continued discipline in portfolio and risk management. Energy prices, inflation, and foreign exchange volatility are real risks as we move through the remainder of the year.
“However, our strong deposit base, liquidity and capital position, combined with our new products and propositions, position us well to drive further growth while maintaining a disciplined approach to risk. We remain on track to meet our 2026 targets. I want to thank the Ecobank team for their dedication to serving our customers every day,” he said.
During the period, Ecobank continued to strengthen its international presence through the opening of its new Beijing Representative Office premises and the signing of a protocol with the Chinese Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). The Group also concluded its Ecobank@40 celebrations with a $2.6 billion commitment aimed at supporting women-owned businesses and agriculture across Africa.
Ecobank’s leadership was further recognised at the Global Finance Awards at the World Bank & IMF Meetings, where the Group received prestigious distinctions including Best Bank in Africa 2026 and World’s Best Frontier Markets Bank 2026. These achievements underscore Ecobank’s continued commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth across the continent.
