FINANCIAL services giant CBZ Holdings Limited (CBZ) is targeting double-digit growth in revenue, profitability and assets in 2026, leveraging a strengthened US$1,58 billion balance sheet to accelerate digital transformation, among other targets.
The strategy follows a strong 2025 performance in which profit after tax rose 39,4% to US$54,31 million, while deposits increased 27,7% to US$1,07 billion, reflecting growing customer confidence and stronger deposit mobilisation across the group's banking franchise.
This profit growth was supported by total income which rose by 39,4% to ZiG5,73 billion, driven by higher transaction volumes, improved asset yields and continued expansion of fee-based income streams.
CBZ is targeting at least US$100 million in new credit lines this year, with US$80 million already secured to capitalise some of its subsidiaries and fund its regional expansion plan.
“While risks remain, including global geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility and domestic liquidity constraints, the outlook is supported by improving macro-economic stability and easing inflation dynamics,” CBZ chief executive officer Lawrence Nyazema said in the group’s annual report for the period ended December 31, 2025.
“In 2026, our strategic priorities will focus on deepening our digital and fintech capabilities, scaling our ecosystem play, accelerating regional expansion, and strengthening capitalisation across subsidiaries. We are targeting double-digit growth across revenue, profitability, and assets, while maintaining strong liquidity and capital buffers.”
He said the group’s financial outcomes reflect the strength of its diversified business model and ongoing focus on sustainable profitability.
“The group recorded a profit after tax of US$54,31 million, representing a 39,4% increase from the prior year, underpinned by improved asset quality, disciplined cost management, and robust growth in core income streams,” Nyazema said.
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“Our asset base expanded to US$1,58 billion, while deposits grew by 27,7% to US$1,07 billion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and effective deposit mobilisation strategies.”
Importantly, the CBZ boss said the quality of earnings continued to strengthen.
“Underlying non-funded income grew by 9,4%, supported by transactional volumes and diversified revenue streams,” Nyazema said.
Meanwhile, expected credit losses declined significantly to US$0,79 million, evidencing improved credit quality and a resilient lending portfolio.
“Return on equity improved to 15,8%, while cost discipline drove a more efficient cost-to-income ratio of 62,6%,” he added.
Last year, CBZ made meaningful progress in executing the group’s strategic transformation agenda, anchored on strengthening the core, expanding into new revenue pools, and building an integrated financial ecosystem.
These revenue pools include bancassurance and insurance distribution expansion, commodity trading and agri-value chain participation through agro-yield, and digital commerce through the Ziki Mall platform.
“These initiatives are critical in reducing reliance on traditional banking income and enhancing revenue sustainability,” Nyazema said.
Lending activity remained robust during the year, with loans and advances growing 22,8% to ZiG10,19 billion, reflecting CBZ’s continued support for productive sectors of the economy despite tight liquidity conditions.
CBZ finance director Joel Makombe said the group’s strong capital position provides the capacity to support future lending growth, strategic investments and sustainable shareholder returns.
“The group maintained adequate capital and liquidity levels throughout the year, supported by profitability generated during the period and prudent balance sheet management,” Makombe said.
“Total equity increased to ZiG9,14 billion, supported by strong profitability and prudent capital management practices. Liquidity levels remained comfortably above regulatory requirements, supported by continued growth in customer deposits and proprietary resources.”
The total equity converts to US$351,8 million.
“The group maintained adequate liquidity buffers to support business operations, meet customer obligations and retain flexibility to pursue emerging growth opportunities,” Makombe said.
“The strength of our capital and liquidity position continues to provide resilience against market volatility whilst positioning the group to capitalise on strategic opportunities across our markets.”
CBZ also deployed ZiG12,77 billion towards strengthening digital infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, core banking platforms, and customer-facing technologies.
The investment is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience and reinforce the group’s competitiveness as financial services become increasingly technology-driven.
