NCBA Group PLC has announced that it has reported a record net profit of Ksh. 23.4 billion for the 2025 financial year. This is a 7% increase from Ksh. 21.9 billion the company reported in the same period in 2024.
The 7% year-on-year growth has triggered a massive windfall for shareholders, with the Group board recommending a 30% increase in total dividend payouts.
The performance marks the successful conclusion of the Group’s 2020–2025 strategic cycle and sets the stage for Ubuntu, a new five-year roadmap designed to scale the bank’s influence across Africa.
“The 2025 outcomes are a great milestone,” said Gachora. “Over the last five years, a disciplined execution of strategy and enhanced diversification of our business model have delivered a more robust institution with momentum to carry us forward.”
Key Financial Highlights (FY 2025):
- Operating Income: Rose 17% to Ksh 73.3 billion.
- Dividends: Total payout of Ksh. 11.7 billion (Ksh. 7.10 per share).
- Total Assets: Grew to Ksh. 716 billion.
- Digital Leadership: Disbursed a staggering Ksh. 1.4 trillion in digital loans.
The pillars of success: 2020–2025
The Group’s growth was fueled by aggressive expansion and innovation across five key areas:
- Retail Scaling: NCBA grew its physical footprint from 89 to 123 branches since 2020, doubling its core bank customer base.
- Market Dominance: The bank maintained a commanding 30% market share in Asset Finance, bolstered by AI-powered tools like Carduka, which attracted 6 million new users.
- Digital Powerhouse: Digital business now contributes 32% of total Group profitability, with a regional cloud-based solution, NCBA ConnectPlus, being adopted by over 20,000 corporate clients.
- Sustainability & Culture: Beyond the balance sheet, the bank mobilized Ksh. 9.5 billion in green financing and was certified as a Top Employer 2026.
- Community & Creatives: Through the ELEV8 Live platform and golf partnerships, the bank has invested over Ksh. 300 million into the regional creative and sporting economies.
While the Kenya Bank remains the primary engine, contributing 82% of profits, the regional subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast showed explosive growth, delivering Ksh. 3.6 billion in PBT.
Non-banking units also flourished. NCBA Investment Bank saw its Assets Under Management cross the Ksh. 100 billion threshold, while the newly integrated NCBA Insurance saw an 82% surge in profitability.
The Ubuntu Strategy (2026–2030)
As the previous chapter closes, NCBA is launching its next phase: Ubuntu – Banking on Belief. This strategy aims to Empower Ambitions through four distinct pillars:
- Fortify the Core: Driving smarter product management and data-led growth.
- Scale High-Growth Segments: Focusing on Wealth, Consumer, SME, and Insurance.
- Unlock New Frontiers: Expanding into new markets and sectors.
- Future-Ready Ubuntu: Transforming the operating model for an empowered culture.
The Nedbank factor
The Group also addressed the proposed acquisition of a 66% stake by Nedbank. The move is expected to unlock significant liquidity, diversify risk beyond East Africa, and give NCBA customers access to international servicing capabilities in hubs like London, Dubai, and Jersey.
“We are clear that the Nedbank transaction will only accelerate our ambitions,” Gachora concluded, thanking stakeholders for their trust as the bank begins its next chapter.