Equity Group sharply increased the business it gave to women-owned enterprises last year. The lender spent KSh 3.7 billion on their products and services, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report. In 2024 it spent KSh 923.5 million, KBC Digital reported.
The bank's total procurement spending rose 12.2% year-on-year, from KSh 47 billion in 2024 to KSh 52.8 billion. Of that total, KSh 47.6 billion went to local suppliers. That is a 14.7% rise on the KSh 41.5 billion it spent locally in 2024. The local share of procurement grew from 88% to 90%.
Youth-led enterprises also won more business. Their supplies and services to the bank rose 75% to KSh 491.1 million in the year to December 2025, up from KSh 280.7 million. The lender said it buys locally to support local economies, create jobs and promote inclusive growth. "We are particularly focused on supporting youth led and women owned businesses wherever possible," the bank said.
Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi said a stronger business gives the group more room to invest in people, enterprises and communities. He said the group aims to turn its investments, partnerships and innovation into "measurable, enduring impact" across Africa.
Equity Group said its net investment in social impact and sustainability programmes reached KSh 99.5 billion across the six regional markets where it operates. Mwangi said the goal is to direct finance towards resilience. He added that people and nature must not be treated as afterthoughts in development.
The group's workforce also grew during the year, from 13,083 to 13,370 employees. Of these, 7,276 are men and 6,094 are women, according to the report.