Ecobank Group posted a 6% increase in first-half profit before tax to $423 million as revenue rose 15% to $1.3 billion, driven by growth in corporate banking, payments and digital transactions despite inflationary and geopolitical pressures across its African markets. The lender said non-interest income accounted for more than 41% of revenue, helping offset economic headwinds, while its cost-to-income ratio improved to a record 48.4%. Digital transaction value climbed 33% to $78.5 billion during the six months ended June 30, while payment revenue rose 10% to $156 million on higher wholesale payment volumes, merchant acquiring and card activity. Customer deposits increased by $3.1 billion to $27 billion, with low-cost current and savings accounts making up 85% of the total, strengthening the bank’s funding base. The bank also completed a $450 million Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange during the period.