Authors : DG Ahmadi Bin Abdoul Makasi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mrx3bc4r

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/58t4f399

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr543

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study analyzes the competitive dynamics between Equity Group Holdings and KBC Group (Kredietbank Boerenbond Cera) across the banking sectors of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Uganda over the period 2023–2025. Using a comparative case study methodology, the research evaluates market dominance based on profitability, asset distribution, and operational scale. The findings reveal that Equity Group Holdings achieved strong regional growth, with subsidiary profit increases of approximately 22% in the DRC, 75% in Tanzania, and 40–61% in Uganda. The DRC accounted for nearly 43.5% of total regional assets, confirming its strategic importance. Operational indicators further show that Equity leads in financial inclusion, with over 2.7 million customer accounts and more than 23,000 agents in the DRC alone. Profitability ratios indicate strong efficiency, with Return on Assets (ROA) reaching up to 4.0% and Net Interest Margins peaking at 9.1% in Uganda. In contrast, KBC Group maintains a stable but less expansive presence, focusing primarily on corporate banking and high-value clients. The study concludes that digital transformation and regional diversification have enabled Equity Group to achieve greater dominance in retail banking, while KBC retains competitiveness in corporate financial services. These results highlight the growing importance of inclusive and technology-driven banking models in emerging African markets.

Keywords : Financial Inclusion, Digital Banking, Market Dominance, Banking Competition,

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