Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix banana, figs, sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Take halved figs and soak them in a bowl of hot water to plump them up a bit and prevent burning in the oven.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the banana-fig mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drain and arrange the halved figs on top and nestle into the batter.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Cut with a serrated knife. Serve warm or at room temperature.