CRDB Bank Burundi Q1 profit rises 7.1pc

BURUNDI: CRDB Bank Burundi has reported a 7.1 per cent increase in profit after tax for the 2025’s first quarter, driven by improved margins and disciplined cost controls.

The largest lender in Burundi posted a profit of 9.0bn/- (9.76 billion Burundian francs), compared with 8.4bn/- (9.3 billion francs) in the same period last year. Total assets climbed to 1.611tri/- (1.911 trillion francs), reflecting solid growth across its operations.

CRDB Bank Burundi Managing Director Fredrick Siwale (Pictured) said the results reflect a deliberate strategy to consolidate the bank’s market leadership.

“These results are a reflection of our continued investment in expanding access to banking services, improving customer experience, and serving key segments of the economy,” said Mr Siwale.

Key focus areas included the expansion of the bank’s footprint to seven branches and the deployment of 2,000 CRDB “Turi Hose” agents across the country.

“We also invested heavily in digital services to make banking more convenient and efficient for our customers,” he said. Mr Siwale said the bank continues to pursue inclusive growth. “We are deliberately reaching out to special groups—particularly youth and women—while expanding lending to individuals, corporates, SMEs, and underserved financial segments,” he said.

Customer deposits rose to 816bn/- (911 billion francs), while the loan portfolio increased to 841bn/- (908 billion francs), reinforcing the bank’s role in financing households, enterprises, and key economic sectors.

CRDB Burundi also boosted support for cross border trade.

“We enhanced our capabilities in facilitating international business transactions and deepened our engagement with global partners such as IFC, DFC, and Proparco, as well as local stakeholders,” said Mr Siwale.

The bank is broadening its suite of financial products to meet evolving market needs.

“This is part of our broader vision to support Burundi’s economic transformation through inclusive and innovative financial solutions,” said Mr Siwale.

With a stable capital position and growing partnerships, the bank said it is well-placed to sustain momentum throughout the year.

ALSO READ: CRDB pays record 170bn/- dividend in 30yrs

In 2024, CRDB Burundi contributed six per cent to the group’s profit after tax, delivering 40.3bn/- in net profit and holding assets worth 1.48tri/-.

The bank was incorporated in Burundi in 2012.