Group PLC has posted a 7% rise in net profit to KES 23.4 billion, about Shs660 billion, for the year ended 2025, boosted by stronger asset growth, improved margins and a sharp rise in digital lending.
The lender’s latest financial results show that profit before tax grew by 10.9% to KES 27.9 billion, while operating income rose by 17% to KES 73.3 billion.
The Group said the performance reflects a more diversified business model that is now delivering results across its banking and non-banking businesses.
NCBA also announced a higher dividend payout of KES 11.7 billion, up from KES 9.1 billion in 2024, signaling improved returns to shareholders as the Group enters a new growth phase.
Group Managing Director John Gachora said the results marked a strong close to the bank’s 2020–2025 strategy, which focused on growth, diversification and digital transformation.
“The 2025 outcomes are a great milestone to close out our 2020–2025 strategy. Over the last five years, disciplined execution and enhanced diversification of our business model have delivered a more robust institution with momentum to carry us forward,” he said.
Regional markets gain ground
NCBA said its regional subsidiaries, including Uganda, contributed significantly to the Group’s performance, generating KES 3.6 billion in profit before tax and accounting for 13% of total earnings.
The Group said the regional business has continued to recover strongly, with lending and deposits growing by about 14% year-on-year.
That performance, it noted, shows that the business model across the region is working and that opportunities remain strong in markets such as Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Uganda remains one of NCBA’s key growth markets, particularly in retail banking, SME financing, digital financial services and property-related lending.
The lender said increasing demand for credit, rising urbanization and growing digital adoption continue to create opportunities in the country.
Digital lending crosses major milestone
One of the strongest drivers of NCBA’s performance was its digital lending business, which disbursed KES 1.4 trillion during the year, up 33%.
The Group said investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics have strengthened credit scoring and kept default rates low, even as lending volumes grow.
According to NCBA, digital financial services now contribute 32% of total Group profitability, making it a major pillar of the business.
The bank said its digital strategy is no longer only about scale and speed, but also about better risk management, customer targeting and long-term sustainability.
Assets, deposits and branches expand:
NCBA’s total assets grew by 8% to KES 716 billion, while customer deposits rose by 6% to KES 532 billion.
The loan book also expanded after a period of slower growth, reflecting stronger demand for credit across its markets.
Despite the shift to digital, the Group said its branch network remains a key part of the customer experience. NCBA now operates 123 branches across five markets, with most already profitable.
Customer surveys, the bank said, continue to show demand for more physical touchpoints, especially for relationship building and service delivery.
As a result, the lender plans to keep expanding its physical presence, supported by agency banking and digital channels.
Non-banking units add muscle
NCBA’s non-banking businesses, including investment banking, leasing and insurance, also delivered strong results.
Wealth management was a standout performer, with assets under management rising from KES 25 billion at the time of the merger to more than KES 100 billion today.
The Group said the growth has been supported by synergies between the core banking and investment banking businesses, allowing customers to access a wider range of products within the NCBA family.
It added that its funds continue to offer competitive returns for customers seeking a balance between risk and performance.
New five-year strategy launched
Looking ahead, NCBA unveiled a new five-year strategy, dubbed Ubuntu (2026–2030), themed “Banking on Belief – Empowering Ambitions.”
The strategy will focus on four priorities by strengthening core banking operations, scaling high-growth segments including wealth, consumer, SME and insurance, unlocking new growth opportunities and building a future-ready operating model.
The Group said the new strategy is designed to deepen its competitiveness and expand its presence across regional markets, including Uganda.
NCBA is also exploring opportunities arising from a proposed acquisition by South Africa’s Nedbank, which it says could strengthen capital, improve liquidity and support broader regional expansion.
Outlook
The bank said it remains optimistic about growth prospects in Uganda and across East Africa, citing strong economic fundamentals, a youthful population and rising demand for financial services.
NCBA also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, pointing to continued investments in green financing, youth empowerment, community programmes and environmental initiatives.
“We are proud of the progress we have made and excited about the future. We remain committed to delivering value for our customers, shareholders and the communities we serve” Gachora said.
