BDEAC issues first international bond

On 13 October 2026, the Bank of the Central African States (BDEAC) completed its first bond issuance on international capital markets, raising 222 million US dollars. This marks a significant step in the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 "AZOBE."

Leaders highlight confidence in the bank

Mr. Dieudonné EVOU MEKOU, President of the BDEAC, stated that the operation consolidates access to a new source of financing for the bank and demonstrates growing confidence from international investors in its financial fundamentals. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) participated as a Strategic Anchor Investor, alongside other leading investors.

Funds to support regional development

The resources mobilized by the bond issuance represent an increase of nearly 15% of the BDEAC's balance sheet. These funds will be used to accelerate disbursements for economic development, regional integration, and structural projects in the six member states of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), including infrastructure, agriculture, agro-industry, and industry.

Bond details and investor relations

The bond issuance, which had a coupon rate of 7.88% per year in euros, was conducted after a simultaneous EUR-USD currency hedging, with a maturity date in October 2029. The operation included commitments regarding financial transparency and relations with investors, such as the organization of semi-annual conferences with investors and the semi-annual publication of an investor presentation summarizing developments in shareholder support, performance of the loan portfolio, financing, and liquidity.

Recent credit rating and loan agreement

This initiative follows the BDEAC obtaining an international rating "Ba3" with a stable outlook from Moody's in November 2025, which was maintained following an annual review in September 2026. The bond issuance was concluded on the same day as the signing of a loan agreement worth 30 million euros between the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the BDEAC.

Future goals for the BDEAC

The BDEAC aims to diversify its financing, continue reforms, and strengthen its financial and operational indicators to become the cornerstone of sustainable development in Central Africa and achieve an investment-grade credit rating in the long term.