EQUITY BANK NAMED BEST REGIONAL BANK IN EAST AFRICA AT 2025 AFRICAN BANKER AWARDS

Equity Bank has been recognized as the Best Regional Bank in East Africa at the 2025 African Banker Awards, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The accolade highlights the bank’s vital role in advancing financial inclusion, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the East African region. In a statement, Equity Bank said the award reflects its growing impact in the region, underpinned by a purpose-driven strategy, customer-focused innovations, and strong support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The recognition also underscores the rising influence of regional financial institutions in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory.

Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, saying it was a testament to the bank’s commitment to delivering transformative financial services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across East and Central Africa. He noted that the award validated Equity’s regional expansion model and aligned with its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to build inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economies by supporting key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and natural resources, MSMEs, health, education, and clean energy.

Now in its 19th edition, the African Banker Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the continent’s financial sector. Supported by the African Development Bank and partners such as the African Guarantee Fund, the awards honour institutions and leaders who have made significant contributions over the past year. During the ceremony, Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee, emphasized the pivotal role of African financial institutions. He stressed that strong African-owned banks are essential to driving development, and praised Equity for being at the forefront of that mission.

Equity Group operates in six African countries; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and maintains a representative office in Ethiopia. With over 22 million customers, the Group continues to champion regional transformation through its integrated financial services and commitment to shared prosperity.