By Seun Ibiyemi
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has reported a strong financial performance for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, with pre-tax profit rising by a remarkable 47 per cent year-on-year to ₦394.6 billion, up from ₦268.5 billion recorded in Q3 2024.
The pan-African banking group also posted a 48 per cent rise in profit after tax (PAT) to ₦268.5 billion, despite navigating higher provisioning for credit risk and a one-off loss from discontinued operations.
This robust outcome underscores the bank’s resilience and effective execution of its sustainable growth strategy across its operations in 33 African markets.
Profit momentum
Ecobank’s nine-month figures reinforced the positive trend, with the pre-tax profit climbing 42 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.01 trillion, while PAT surged 43 per cent to ₦702.4 billion. This growth was fueled by higher interest income, stronger non-interest revenues, and disciplined cost control.
The Group’s total operating income for Q3 2025 reached ₦969.6 billion, marking a 24 per cent increase over the previous year.
Interest Income jumped 20 per cent to ₦841.7 billion, reflecting both higher lending volumes and improved pricing while non-interest income was a crucial driver, with Fee and Commission income rising to ₦274.3 billion thanks to greater customer activity in digital payments, trade services, and electronic channels.
Treasury operations delivered strong gains, with FX and trading income up 19 per cent to ₦154.3 billion as the bank successfully leveraged market volatility.
Digital efficiency and risk prudence
Despite the high inflationary environments across Africa, Ecobank maintained strict cost discipline, limiting the growth of operating expenses to a modest 3 per cent (₦446.2 billion).
This efficiency reflects ongoing digital optimisation efforts across the Group.
However, the bank adopted a cautious approach to risk management.
Impairment charges for credit risk rose sharply by 64 per cent to ₦129.7 billion, a necessary prudence in response to rising credit risks and currency fluctuations observed in some of its operating markets.
Ecobank’s digital strategy continues to yield results, with electronic channels, mobile platforms, and cross-border payment solutions making significant contributions to revenue and deepening customer engagement in the retail and SME segments.
The bank’s balance sheet also gained strength, with shareholders’ funds rising due to retained earnings, FX translation gains, and fair value adjustments, reflecting not just profitability but also favorable currency movements across its multi-country footprint.
Commentary and outlook
Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the bank’s ability to deliver growth despite persistent macroeconomic challenges.
“We’re pleased with the strong momentum across our businesses this quarter. Our continued investment in digital capabilities and our ability to serve customers across 33 markets is paying off,” Awori said. “Despite persistent inflation and FX volatility in many of our markets, we’ve delivered solid earnings, strengthened our capital, and deepened customer trust.”
Looking ahead, Ecobank plans to sustain earnings growth through enhanced digital integration, prudent risk management, and stronger regional collaboration across its West, Central, and Southern African markets.
The Group’s diversified footprint, cost efficiency, and digital-led model provide a strong foundation for long-term profitability, even as foreign exchange volatility, inflation, and credit risks continue to pose short-term challenges.