Key figures

Building on the sustained momentum seen during H1, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains positive with improved business and financial performance expected with continued robust demand expected. Accordingly, the expectation is that both underlying and reported net profit for 2025 is to significantly exceed the current company compiled consensus for FY 2025 of USD 37.5m (as of the date of this announcement). For H2 2025, the IMF no longer classifies Ghana and Sierra Leone as hyperinflationary, while Nigeria and Myanmar are on the watchlist. In addition, the Group continues to monitor FX and geopolitical risks.

Rob Keijsers, ASA International CEO, said:

“ASA International’s outstanding performance in the first half of 2025 is a testament to the investment we have made in strengthening management, the dedication of our teams and the trust and resilience of our clients across our operating markets. Our strong operational growth, reflected by the significant increase in OLP and sustained improvements in portfolio quality, demonstrates our ability to deliver meaningful financial services to underserved female entrepreneurs. This has naturally translated into significantly improved profitability which has meant we can continue to make capital returns to our shareholders.

“An important milestone during the first half of the year was the launch of an innovative and groundbreaking partnership to offer microinsurance to our clients across Africa. Following a successful soft launch of ‘ASA LifeCare’ in Uganda in May, the product has now officially launched in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria with plans to expand across all of ASA International’s African markets. The partnership embeds Enhanced Credit Life into ASA International’s loan products, providing affordable protection for clients from just USD 0.30 per month, covering credit, life, and health-related risks. We expect that will bolster client retention and generate additional non-interest income. This product brings added value and protection to our clients as we seek to deepen and broaden financial inclusion.

“Continuing the work undertaken throughout 2024, a core strategic focus for the Board has been on continuing to strengthen our leadership team. Both the Executive Committee at the Group-level and local leadership in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nigeria have been further reinforced. The positive impact they are already providing has been extremely encouraging in the form of fresh perspectives alongside significant professional, banking and leadership experience.

“We have also taken the important step of formally joining the Client Protection Pathway (CPP Pathway), a global initiative that helps financial institutions like ours demonstrate and continuously improve how we protect clients. This builds on what we already do every day and reinforces that client protection is at the heart of the ASA Model.

“Looking forward to the remainder of 2025, we expect to see the existing trend of growing demand for loans continue. We will also see ever greater productivity across the organisation as we drive efficiency in the branch network and therefore reduce our cost-income ratio. The next stage of our digital transformation effort is imminent as we roll-out the core banking system and digital platform to Ghana and Tanzania. We remain confident that our expanded reach and strengthened leadership will deliver increased financial inclusion for the communities we serve and sustainable growth for all stakeholders.”