Absa Bank Kenya PLC has reported a profit after tax of Kshs. 14.7 billion for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth highlights the bank’s solid performance across multiple business segments, underscoring focus on delivering consistent value.
For the period, the Bank’s loans and advances reached Kshs. 311 billion, with new gross lending of Kshs. 94 billion directed towards critical sectors of the economy, reflecting Absa’s essential role in empowering Kenya’s growth story.
Total revenues increased by 16% to Kshs. 46.8 billion, bolstered by funded income of Kshs. 34.5 billion. Additionally, non-funded income grew by 13% to Kshs. 12.2 billion. This remarkable growth in revenue highlights both the solidity of legacy revenue streams and the rapid expansion of new income sources, including asset management and brokerage. Customer deposits increased slightly to Kshs. 352 billion, illustrating sustained confidence in Absa as a primary financial partner.
Speaking about the financial results, Abdi Mohamed, Managing Director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya PLC, said the improved financial performance highlights the disciplined execution of strategic initiatives that reinforce Absa’s position as a trusted brand, committed to advancing a sustainable future.
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“The Bank’s strategic objective remains firmly on track toward becoming a holistic, modern financial services provider, meeting the evolving needs of our customers through innovation and strategic partnerships. We continue to diversify our revenue sources by enhancing payment solutions, improving customer experiences, and promoting financial inclusion through digital finance, affordable housing, and SME-oriented products such as Wezesha and Microinsurance,” Mr. Mohamed stated.
In the review period, the Bank expanded its service touchpoints, increasing its agency network from 600 to over 3,000 locations. Additionally, Absa remains committed to empowering small enterprises and women-led businesses by offering vital non-financial solutions, positively impacting over 14,000 entrepreneurs in navigating the current economic landscape.
To further enhance customer value, Absa enhanced its La-Riba service to provide innovative Shariah-compliant solutions while reinforcing its Wezesha Stock platform for SMEs. Additionally, the Bank accelerated the ongoing implementation of a Kshs. 3 billion technology upgrade strategy to strengthen its core banking and back-office systems.
Moreover, the Bank has intensified its sustainability initiatives by establishing the Absa Kenya Foundation (AKF), which will amplify its positive community impact and sustainability commitments. The Foundation will prioritise four key areas: enterprise development, education and skills, natural resource management, and health and humanitarian relief.
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Other Highlights include:
Efficiency
While the ongoing transformational investments contributed to a 13.7% cost increase, bringing total costs to Ksh 17.7 billion, the Bank showed a commendable improvement in its cost-to-income ratio, now at 37.8%. This improvement resulted in an increase in return on equity to 25.4%.
Impairment
Impairment rose by 19% to Ksh 8.0 billion compared to the same period last year, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to prudent risk management principles amidst balance sheet growth and a challenging operating environment. Despite this increase, the Bank continues to maintain a healthy portfolio quality and has established a sufficient coverage ratio to effectively minimize and manage potential future credit losses.
Capital & Liquidity
The Bank’s capital and liquidity ratios remain strong with sufficient headroom above the regulatory requirement. The Bank’s total capital adequacy ratio closed the quarter at 19.4% and liquidity reserve position at 38.1% against the regulatory limits of 14.5% and 20%, respectively.
Outlook
In closing, Mr. Mohamed stated, ” This strong outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of the Bank’s growth strategy and its dedication to providing both financial and non-financial solutions that address the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and communities. As we look ahead, we are confident that with prudent management, we can leverage these opportunities and continue to support our customers’ and other stakeholders’ ambitions, consequently driving our own growth.”
