DTB Group has completed its exit from the Burundian market after 16 years by selling its 83.67 percent stake in its Burundian subsidiary for KES 1.27 billion. The transaction which was finalized on December 31, 2025, resulted in a net gain of KES 592.5 million for the lender based on the initial investment cost of KES 636.9 million in 2008 and transaction-related expenses of KES 41.44 million. However, at the group level, the disposal led to a loss of KES 532.61 million, primarily attributable to cumulative foreign exchange translation losses arising from the depreciation of the Burundian franc against the Kenyan shilling over the 16-year period.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed DTB Group made the strategic decision to transfer its entire shareholding to a consortium of local investors in Burundi led by the existing minority shareholder, ensuring continuity in advancing financial inclusion while allowing new investors to build on an established platform of good governance and risk management.
The minority shareholder, Unik Investments S.A., led by Burundi-based investor Shafiq Jiwani, who held 16.33 percent at the inception of operations in 2008. Other initial investors included Abu Dhabi-based AI Bateen Investment Company LLC and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, each also taking 16.33 percent, with DTB Kenya as the anchor shareholder at 51 percent. After AI Bateen did not take up its stake, DTB opened with 67.34 percent in June 2009, and later bought out IFC in 2018 for Sh152.2 million, raising its stake to 83.67 percent.
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DTB was the first Kenyan bank to enter Burundi, followed by KCB Group in 2012, which remains in the country. Following the exit, DTB’s regional presence now includes only Uganda and Tanzania. The Burundian subsidiary had four branches and 51 employees. Meanwhile, DTB Group raised its dividend payout by 28.5 percent to KES 9 per share after posting double-digit earnings growth for the year ended December 2025, with net profit rising 23 percent to Sh9.4 billion, supported by a sharp decline in interest expenses. The new dividend will be paid on June 26 to shareholders recorded as of May 22.
