Largest Banks by Market Value in East Africa
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NMB Bank
NMB Bank’s market capitalization has reached approximately TZS 8.11 trillion (USD 3.10 billion), placing it on top of the list of the largest banks by market value in East Africa.
NMB Bank’s rise to the top of the rankings has been driven largely by a 157.3% increase in its share price over the past 12 months.
The lender has also maintained one of the region’s most efficient operating models, reporting a cost-to-income ratio of 38%. Its digital banking strategy has reduced operating costs, with more than 94% of customer transactions conducted through digital channels and other alternative delivery platforms rather than physical branches.
The bank has also maintained healthy asset quality, with its gross non-performing loan ratio standing at 2.5%, helping contain credit risk while supporting profitability.
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CRDB Bank
CRDB Bank ranks second with a market capitalization of approximately USD 2.72 billion after its shares gained 52% over the past year.
The valuation has been supported by a 27% year-on-year increase in profit after tax and a balance sheet exceeding TZS 20 trillion (approximately USD 8.1 billion).
Beyond Tanzania, CRDB has continued expanding its regional presence through subsidiaries in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo as it broadens its footprint beyond its domestic market.
The bank has also diversified its funding sources through retail deposits and Sukuk issuances, including the Al Barakah Sukuk bond.
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Equity Group
Although Equity Group Holdings ranks third by market capitalization at approximately USD 2.00 billion, it continues to post the region’s highest banking profits.
The lender reported KSh 75.6 billion in net profit for the financial year ended 2025 while managing assets worth more than USD 11.6 billion.
Its operations span several African markets, with Equity BCDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo remaining one of the group’s major contributors through financing trade, manufacturing and other productive sectors.
Market analysts note that Kenyan banking stocks continue to trade at relatively lower valuation multiples compared with some Tanzanian lenders, contributing to the difference in market capitalization despite strong financial performance.
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KCB Group
KCB Group Plc ranks fourth by market value at approximately USD 1.68 billion. Despite its lower stock market valuation, KCB remains East Africa’s largest banking group by total assets, with a balance sheet of about USD 13.9 billion.
The lender operates banks across six countries in the region, giving it one of the widest cross-border banking networks among East African financial institutions.
For the 2025 financial year, KCB reported net earnings of KSh 68.4 billion, supported by corporate banking, infrastructure financing and regional lending activities.
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Co-operative Bank
Co-operative Bank of Kenya rounds out the top five largest listed banks by market capitalization with a valuation of approximately USD 1.22 billion. The bank’s market value has benefited from the rally in banking stocks on the Nairobi Securities Exchange during 2026.
Unlike some of its regional peers, Co-operative Bank has concentrated on strengthening its domestic franchise, particularly through Kenya’s cooperative movement and SACCO ecosystem.
The lender posted KSh 29.8 billion in net profit for the 2025 financial year, supported by its established retail and SME banking operations.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
