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Media release

Media release

Exploring how Absa grows digitally active customers to 5,4 million as strategic technology investment reshapes customer banking across Africa

16 March 2026

Absa Group recently reported that digitally active customers grew from 4,6 million to 5,4 million as part of its 2025 Annual Financial Results, underscoring the impact of sustained, multi‑year investment in technology, data and customer‑centric innovation across its African footprint. The growth reflects Absa’s deliberate shift towards a digital‑first, customer‑led banking model, designed to meet changing client expectations while strengthening trust, resilience and accessibility across markets.

Kenny Fihla, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer, said the results demonstrate how technology is being used as a strategic enabler rather than a standalone capability.

“This growth in digital engagement reflects our focus on building simple, intuitive and trusted ways for customers to bank with us. By aligning our digital strategy closely to how customers live, work and transact, we are creating experiences that are both relevant and reliable across our markets,” Fihla said.

To support this transformation, Absa increased its IT‑related investment by 6% to R16.7bn, directed towards modern digital infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and expanded data and cloud capabilities.

Johnson Idesoh, Absa Group Chief Officer: Information and Technology, said the growth in digitally active customers is the outcome of disciplined execution across three priority areas:

  • Hyper personalisation through AI and Cloud. Extended partnership with some of our key partners has been pivotal, allowing us to modernise the cloud infrastructure for example.
  • Locally relevant innovation, eliminating a blanket approach as banking methods differ in our Africa Regions markets.
  • Building a resilient and trusted digital backbone, through robust investment in Cyber Security. Customers will only migrate to digital platforms if they trust we can protect their financial stories.

“Customers will only migrate to digital platforms if they trust them,” Idesoh said. “Our focus has been on building secure, scalable and future‑ready systems that support every customer, client and business we serve.”

He added that Absa’s digital journey remains ongoing, with continued investment planned to ensure the Group can scale responsibly while delivering meaningful value across its retail, business and corporate client base.

“A modern digital infrastructure means banking that is faster, safer and simpler for customers. It enables real‑time services, personalised experiences and always‑on security, so customers can bank with confidence, knowing their digital experience will work seamlessly when it matters most.”

16 March 2026

Absa Group recently reported that digitally active customers grew from 4,6 million to 5,4 million as part of its 2025 Annual Financial Results, underscoring the impact of sustained, multi‑year investment in technology, data and customer‑centric innovation across its African footprint. The growth reflects Absa’s deliberate shift towards a digital‑first, customer‑led banking model, designed to meet changing client expectations while strengthening trust, resilience and accessibility across markets.

Kenny Fihla, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer, said the results demonstrate how technology is being used as a strategic enabler rather than a standalone capability.

“This growth in digital engagement reflects our focus on building simple, intuitive and trusted ways for customers to bank with us. By aligning our digital strategy closely to how customers live, work and transact, we are creating experiences that are both relevant and reliable across our markets,” Fihla said.

To support this transformation, Absa increased its IT‑related investment by 6% to R16.7bn, directed towards modern digital infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and expanded data and cloud capabilities.

Johnson Idesoh, Absa Group Chief Officer: Information and Technology, said the growth in digitally active customers is the outcome of disciplined execution across three priority areas:

  • Hyper personalisation through AI and Cloud. Extended partnership with some of our key partners has been pivotal, allowing us to modernise the cloud infrastructure for example.
  • Locally relevant innovation, eliminating a blanket approach as banking methods differ in our Africa Regions markets.
  • Building a resilient and trusted digital backbone, through robust investment in Cyber Security. Customers will only migrate to digital platforms if they trust we can protect their financial stories.

“Customers will only migrate to digital platforms if they trust them,” Idesoh said. “Our focus has been on building secure, scalable and future‑ready systems that support every customer, client and business we serve.”

He added that Absa’s digital journey remains ongoing, with continued investment planned to ensure the Group can scale responsibly while delivering meaningful value across its retail, business and corporate client base.

“A modern digital infrastructure means banking that is faster, safer and simpler for customers. It enables real‑time services, personalised experiences and always‑on security, so customers can bank with confidence, knowing their digital experience will work seamlessly when it matters most.”