Ecobank Group Builds Momentum in First Half of 2026, Reported 15% Net Revenue Growth to US$1.3 billion and Profit Before Tax increased to US$423 million, despite facing economic and geopolitical challenges in several African markets.
The pan-African banking group recorded US$1.3 billion in net revenue, representing a 15% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Profit before tax also rose by 6% to US$423 million.
Ecobank attributed the strong performance to careful cost management, improved operational efficiency, and the strength of its banking operations across Africa. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to a record 48.4%, showing that the bank continued to manage its expenses effectively.
The bank reported growth in both its Corporate and Investment Banking and Consumer and Commercial Banking businesses. Non-interest revenue also remained strong, contributing more than 41% of the Group’s total revenue.
Strong Growth in Digital Payments
Ecobank continued to strengthen its position in Africa’s payments sector. Payment revenues increased by 10%, supported by higher wholesale payment volumes, increased merchant activity, and growth in card services.
Digital transactions also increased significantly, with their value rising by 33% as more customers adopted Ecobank’s digital banking and payment platforms.
Growth Across African Markets
Ecobank recorded positive results across its different regions.
Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA) recorded the strongest performance, with net revenue increasing by 20% to US$470 million. Anglophone West Africa (AWA) saw revenue rise by 16% to US$372 million, while Francophone West Africa (UEMOA) recorded a 6% increase to US$382 million.
In Nigeria, net revenue grew by 23%, while the Group continued taking measures to improve the quality of its assets.
Customer Confidence Continues to Grow
Customer confidence in Ecobank also increased during the first half of 2026. Customer deposits rose by US$3.1 billion compared with the previous year, reaching US$27 billion.
Current and savings accounts accounted for 85% of total deposits, helping the Group manage its funding costs while maintaining strong capital and liquidity levels to support future lending and growth.
Ecobank Strengthens Sustainability Efforts
Ecobank also made progress in sustainable finance after issuing a US$450 million Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange.
The bond became the world’s first ICMA-designated Nature Bond issued by a commercial bank. It attracted strong investor interest, receiving more than US$1.36 billion in demand, almost four times the amount offered.
The funds will support sustainable agriculture, natural capital, and water infrastructure projects across 24 African markets.
Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori said the bank remained focused on serving customers and improving efficiency despite global political and economic pressures.
He noted that the Group continued investing in technology, systems, and staff to improve its services and support growth in digital payments, data services, and mobile banking.
Ecobank is also working to modernize its technology systems by using cloud-based, mobile-first, API-enabled, and AI-supported solutions.
Ecobank Receives Global Recognition
Ecobank’s performance and leadership continued to receive recognition in 2026. The Group was named Best Bank in Africa and World’s Best Frontier Markets Bank by Global Finance.
It was also named African Bank of the Year at the African Banker Awards 2026 and received the Gender Leader Award at the Africa CEO Forum Awards 2026.
These recognitions highlight Ecobank’s continued focus on innovation, financial inclusion, sustainability, and creating long-term value for its customers and stakeholders.