NMBZ Holdings posted a strong turnaround in 2025, returning to profitability and accelerating its regional expansion strategy following the acquisition of a controlling stake in Zambia's Entrepreneurs Financial Centre, as the financial services group positions itself for growth beyond Zimbabwe.

The group recorded a profit after tax of ZWG251 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a loss of ZWG205 million in the previous year, while operating income rose 11 percent to ZWG2 billion from ZWG1.8 billion.

Total assets grew 27 percent to ZWG9 billion, supported by increased deposits and foreign credit lines, while loans and advances surged 48 percent to ZWG4.1 billion as the group expanded lending to productive sectors of the economy.

A major highlight of the year was NMBZ's move into the Zambian market through the acquisition of a controlling stake in Entrepreneurs Financial Centre Zambia, a deposit-taking microfinance institution. The transaction was completed in January 2026.

The group described the acquisition as a practical demonstration of its regional growth strategy.

"A landmark achievement was the agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Entrepreneurs Financial Centre (EFC) Zambia, a deposit-taking microfinance institution. This transaction, completed in January 2026, marks our expansion into a new regional market and is a practical demonstration of our strategy to acquire, digitise and scale high-potential financial services businesses," the company said in its annual report.

NMBZ said the acquisition strengthens its ambition of becoming a leading regional financial services provider by leveraging technology and digital platforms to expand into new markets.

The group's fintech subsidiary, Xplug Solutions Limited, continued its expansion drive during the year, establishing operations in eight African countries and reaching profitability.

NMBZ said Xplug has become the group's primary vehicle for digital growth and regional expansion.

"Our fintech subsidiary, Xplug Solutions Limited, continued its impressive growth, establishing a market presence in eight African countries and achieving profitability. It serves as our primary vehicle for regional expansion and digital scale," the company said.

The banking group also diversified into property development through NMB Properties Limited, which completed its first cluster housing projects and began unlocking value from the group's strategic land bank.

Locally, NMBZ strengthened financial inclusion efforts through the expansion of its agency banking network to more than 350 agents nationwide. A strategic partnership with ZimPost has further widened access to banking services, particularly in underserved communities.

The group also invested in modernising its physical infrastructure through branch refurbishments in Harare, Bindura and Victoria Falls.

Basic earnings per share recovered to 56 Zimbabwe Gold cents from a loss per share of 47 cents in 2024, while total comprehensive income improved to ZWG239.7 million from a loss of ZWG246.3 million in the prior year.

Looking ahead, NMBZ said 2026 would be focused on disciplined growth across all subsidiaries, with particular attention on integrating and scaling the newly acquired Zambian business.

"Our strategic direction is firmly focused on building a resilient, technology-driven and regionally diversified financial services group. Our core strategy is to acquire, digitise, optimise and scale, leveraging our strong digital capabilities to expand our footprint and diversify our earnings," the company said.

The group expects a more stable macroeconomic environment in 2026 and plans to deepen its retail banking franchise, grow low-cost deposits and expand funding sources to support business lending.

Despite growth ambitions, NMBZ said it would remain focused on prudent risk management and governance. The banking subsidiary maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 25.47 percent, more than double the regulatory minimum of 12 percent, while its liquidity ratio stood at 53 percent against the statutory minimum of 30 percent.

The non-performing loan ratio remained at a manageable 3.4 percent, below the industry benchmark of 5 percent.

On sustainability, NMBZ said it continued to align its operations with international environmental, social and governance standards, focusing on education, youth development, women's economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

The group's NMBHer platform remained a flagship initiative supporting women entrepreneurs and leadership development, while green financing programmes were expanded to help businesses transition towards more sustainable operations.

With profitability restored, regional expansion underway and digital operations scaling across Africa, NMBZ enters 2026 with a stronger platform for growth as it seeks to transform itself from a local banking institution into a diversified regional financial services group.