BK Group net earnings grew 40% in Q1

BK Group PLC, Rwanda's largest lender, has reported a solid performance in the first quarter of 2022, with net profit increasing by 40% to $15.3 million year-on-year. Total operating income also saw a significant uptick of 9.5%, reaching nearly $42 million during the same period. Nathalie Mpaka, the Group's Chief Financial Officer, spoke to CNBC Africa's Julius Bizimungu about the financial results and the key drivers behind this growth. While the performance fell slightly below initial targets due to the seasonality of the first quarter, Mpaka remains optimistic about the upcoming quarters. She attributed the growth to increased liquidity in the banking business, with growth in customer deposits and a strong loan book. On the insurance side, premium income rose by 50%, driven by new business lines. However, higher assessment rates impacted the bottom line, particularly in risky product segments. The CFO highlighted investments around the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with close to $5 billion being allocated for various activities related to the event. The bank's subsidiaries, including BKGI Insurance and BK Capital, are also showing promising growth trajectories. BKGI Insurance, despite a slight decline in profitability, is focusing on diversification and innovative product offerings. Agriculture insurance, a relatively untapped sector in the market, presents an opportunity for the group to expand its reach. Mpaka also addressed the group's asset position, noting a shift towards retail and SME lending to diversify the loan book. While asset growth has slowed, she emphasized the positive impact of diversification on long-term sustainability. The CFO expressed concerns about inflationary pressures and their potential impact on margins, citing the need for stable economic conditions and supportive monetary policies to mitigate risks. Despite these challenges, BK Group PLC remains confident in its resilient business model and strategic focus on digitization, efficiency, and growth across its subsidiary businesses.