CEMAC banking trends show regional contrasts

The banking systems across the CEMAC region (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) are evolving differently, with notable improvements in customer financing in the Congo and resource collection in the Central African Republic. These developments highlight the varied financial dynamics within the region.

Cameroon leads in bank deposits

Cameroon continues to hold the top position in bank deposits, accounting for nearly half of the total deposits in the CEMAC region. This dominance has remained consistent in recent years, reflecting the country's strong financial infrastructure.

Bank credits decline in Chad and Equatorial Guinea

According to the 2025 annual report from the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), published in October 2026, bank credit levels dropped by 8.4% in Chad and 1.2% in Equatorial Guinea. Similar declines were seen in deposits, with decreases of 1.7% in Chad and 1.4% in Equatorial Guinea.

Credit growth in other CEMAC countries

In contrast to the declines in Chad and Equatorial Guinea, bank financing increased in the other four CEMAC countries in 2025. The Congo led the growth with a 17.5% rise in customer credits, followed by Cameroon (15.1%), Gabon (12.6%), and the Central African Republic (5.9%).

Private sector dominates credit usage

Across the sub-region, the private sector remains the primary beneficiary of bank financing, receiving 75.1% of the total gross credits granted in 2025. This underscores the significant role of private enterprises in regional economic activity.

Central African Republic leads in deposit growth

The Central African Republic recorded the highest deposit growth in the CEMAC zone, with an 11.8% increase equivalent to 38 billion CFA francs. This growth highlights the country’s improving financial landscape and increasing trust in banking services.

Cameroon maintains deposit leadership

Despite a slower growth rate than the Central African Republic, Cameroon retains its position as the leading deposit holder in the region. In 2025, it accounted for 48% of CEMAC deposits, up from 46.5% in 2024 and 46.6% in 2023.

Private sector deposits rise significantly

Private sector deposits across the sub-region increased by 8.3% in 2025, reaching 14,042 billion CFA francs. These deposits now represent 73.7% of the total, up from 72% in the previous year, showing growing confidence in financial institutions.

COBAC attributes deposit growth to sectoral contributions

The COBAC notes that the increase in deposits is partly due to the repatriation of revenues from oil companies, as well as contributions from companies in agriculture, construction, telecommunications, and energy sectors. These factors are driving the regional financial landscape.

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