By Seun Ibiyemi
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has reported a strong financial performance for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, with profit before tax (PBT) rising by 47 per cent year-on-year to ₦394.6 billion.
According to the bank’s unaudited financial statement for the period ended September 30, 2025, profit after tax (PAT) also grew by 48 per cent to ₦268.5 billion, despite higher provisioning and a one-off loss from discontinued operations.
The impressive Q3 performance lifted Ecobank’s cumulative pre-tax profit for the first nine months of 2025 to ₦1.01 trillion, a 42 per cent increase compared to ₦710.6 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. Similarly, profit after tax for the nine months rose by 43 per cent to ₦702.4 billion.
The bank’s performance was driven by strong revenue growth from both interest and non-interest income streams. Interest income rose 20 per cent to ₦841.7 billion, supported by higher lending volumes and improved pricing.
Ecobank’s digital and transaction businesses also contributed significantly, with fee and commission income climbing to ₦274.3 billion as more customers adopted its digital payment and trade services.
Additionally, the lender earned ₦154.3 billion from foreign exchange and trading activities, a 19 per cent increase from Q3 2024 as it leveraged market volatility to strengthen treasury earnings. Overall, the bank’s total operating income rose 24 per cent year-on-year to ₦969.6 billion.
Despite inflationary pressures across many African markets where Ecobank operates, the Group managed to contain its costs. Operating expenses grew modestly by just 3 per cent to ₦446.2 billion in the quarter, reflecting disciplined cost control.
However, Ecobank adopted a more cautious approach to credit risk, increasing its loan impairment provisions by 64 per cent to ₦129.7 billion.
Commenting on the results, Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, said the bank’s solid performance demonstrates its resilience and the success of its long-term growth strategy.
“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.”
Ecobank’s total shareholders’ funds also grew during the period, driven by higher retained earnings, foreign exchange translation gains, and fair value adjustments.