• Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire reports revenue and profit growth in 2025

• Deposits, loans rise; shareholders approve dividend payout

• Bank targets digitalisation, inclusion, economic support in 2026

Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire reported solid financial results for 2025 and set out its strategic priorities for the coming year following its annual general meeting held on Tuesday at the Radisson Blu in Abidjan.

Board Chairman Serge Thiémélé said 2025 marked a period of stabilization after several years of adjustment, adding that the bank is now operating at “cruising speed,” supported by tighter management, stronger risk controls and improved operational efficiency. He said the bank remains focused on creating shareholder value while strengthening its resilience in what he described as a mixed regional and global environment.

Financial performance shows steady growth

Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire reported revenue of 132.7 billion CFA francs ($237 million), up 8.5%, driven by higher net interest margins. Net income rose 10.5%, supported by revenue growth, lower loan-loss provisions of 1.8 billion CFA francs, and disciplined cost management that limited operating expense growth to 3.6%.

Total assets exceeded 2,054.5 billion CFA francs. Deposits rose 15% to 1,626.2 billion CFA francs, reflecting stronger customer confidence, while loans increased 8% to 1,050.8 billion CFA francs, reinforcing the bank’s role in financing the economy.

Shareholders approved a dividend of 888 CFA francs per share, representing a payout ratio of about 77%. The bank’s stock continued to rise on the regional exchange and was named the BRVM’s best listed company of 2025, notably for its governance, financial performance and social impact.

Strategy for 2026 focuses on three priorities

For 2026, Chief Executive Officer Paul-Harry Aithnard outlined a strategy built around three priorities.

The first is accelerating digitalisation, with increased investment in technology to expand access to services, particularly through mobile platforms and paperless solutions.

The second focuses on innovation and financial inclusion. The bank plans to strengthen its presence in the agricultural sector through a dedicated team, while continuing to roll out its “Ellever” programme for women entrepreneurs. The programme is backed by a 10-billion-CFA-franc gender bond, of which 9 billion CFA francs have already been deployed.

The third priority is supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development, in line with the National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030.

“The National Development Plan sets the country’s macroeconomic framework. Our strategy for the next five years is aligned with that framework, with private sector financing and support for local SMEs at its core,” Aithnard said.

In that context, Ecobank plans to deepen its support for priority sectors including agriculture, mining, industry, oil, infrastructure, transport and logistics.

Charlène N’dimon