Equity Group’s workforce stood at 13,083 employees in 2024, marking a slight decline from 13,102 in 2023. According to its 2024 Sustainability Report Equity, the group is pushing forward its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda, targeting 50% female representation by 2030.
“Gender inclusion remains a key focus in our recruitment and promotion processes. Focused efforts are in place to ensure greater female candidate representation in shortlists and sustained investment in upskilling and advancing women employees,” read part of the report.
“Through our recruitment and talent development processes, we have put special focus on gender, persons with disabilities and nationalities. In 2024, the total number of employees reached 13,083 employees.”
As of 2024, Equity Group’s workforce distribution across its regional subsidiaries showed Kenya leading with 7,013 employees, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo with 3,057 staff members.
Uganda accounted for 1,424 employees, Rwanda 939, Tanzania 501, and South Sudan 149.
In 2024, Equity Group’s workforce comprised 56% men and 44% women, reflecting a notable increase in the number of women holding permanent positions.
Women in senior leadership roles remained steady at 35%, with the Group renewing its focus on mentorship and upskilling programs to boost female representation in decision-making positions.
Across the region, gender distribution varied among subsidiaries. Equity Bank Uganda recorded the highest female representation at 51%, while South Sudan reported 36%.
The Group also tracked 58 employees living with disabilities, all based in Kenya, as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Breakdown of Equity Bank’s 13,000 Employees Across Six Countries
The following is a breakdown of gender distribution across six countries:
|
Subsidiary
|
Male Staff Composition
|
Female Staff Composition
|
|
Uganda
|
49%
|
51%
|
|
Tanzania
|
53%
|
47%
|
|
Kenya
|
55%
|
45%
|
|
Rwanda
|
57%
|
43%
|
|
DRC
|
63%
|
37%
|
|
South Sudan
|
64%
|
36%
|
As of 2024, Equity Group’s management-level workforce reflected a regional and international mix, led predominantly by Kenyans who accounted for 1,962 positions.
They were followed by 401 Ugandans, 294 Rwandans, 244 Congolese, and 201 Tanzanians. The Group also employed smaller numbers of professionals from outside East Africa, including 12 Nigerians, 12 South Sudanese, 6 Chinese, 5 Americans, 5 South Africans, 5 Zimbabweans, 4 Ghanaians, and 3 Indians.
Also Read: Equity Bank Plans Expansion into Ethiopia’s Banking Sector After Crucial Meeting
Women Employed And Leadership Roles
The proportion of women in permanent employment rose to 44% in 2024, up from 41.3% in 2023. While representation of women in senior leadership positions, however, remained steady at 35% for both years.
To close the leadership gap, the Group is implementing deliberate measures to increase the number of women shortlisted for senior roles and enhance mentorship and upskilling programs aimed at advancing women into executive positions.
“Ongoing gender diversity initiatives and inclusive talent practices remain central in advancing our ESG aspirations and sustainability commitments, particularly our goal of achieving 50% female representation by 2030,” read part of the report.
Also Read: Equity Bank Fires 200 Kenyan Staff Over M-Pesa, Payroll Scandal
Equity Group Staff Training
Equity Bank has more than doubled its investment in employee training, spending Ksh847 million in 2024.
In 2024, a total of 12,081 employees received training at Equity Group, with the average learning hours per employee increasing to more than 46, up from 42 in 2023.
The bank maintained a strong focus on sustainability, with two-thirds of its workforce undergoing training on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.
Specifically, 7,981 employees were trained on ESG risks, governance, and opportunities.
To strengthen compliance and professional standards, the Group rolled out six mandatory training courses, including Anti-Money Laundering and Data Privacy & Protection, achieving an impressive 98% completion rate.
In addition, 6,119 staff members received Moody’s credit certification, while another 2,000 employees were trained on the BIIMS product suite—Borrow, Insure, Invest, Move, and Save.
“Overall, two-thirds of Group employees underwent sustainability training. To assess the impact of these efforts, a Group-wide survey was conducted in 2024, revealing that 96% of respondents expressed satisfaction with these capacity-building initiatives,” read part of the report.
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