The Bank of Central African States has published its first quarter 2026 report on lending rates in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, showing weaker credit supply and higher borrowing costs across the region. New credit to the economy fell 20.22% year on year to FCFA 2,510.5 billion and also declined from FCFA 3,007.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the same time, the average total effective lending rate across CEMAC rose to 12.38% from 9.96% a year earlier and 10.91% in the previous quarter. Banks accounted for 99.66% of new lending, while the number of new loans increased 5.86% to 251,879. Enterprises remained the main borrowers, taking 81.15% of total credit, and short-term lending dominated with 87.23% of volumes. Average lending rates moved unevenly across member states. They fell in the Central African Republic to 13.03% from 15.35% a year earlier, but rose to 9.03% in Cameroon, 10.07% in Congo, 21.51% in Gabon and 17.44% in Equatorial Guinea. In Chad, comparable average rates excluding signature commitments increased to 10.89%, while the national average including those commitments stood at 7.02%. Across CEMAC, nominal interest represented 68.07% of the total effective rate and fees and commissions 31.93%.
Banking Commission of the Central African Republic2026-06-15
Bank of Central African States reports 20.22 percent drop in new CEMAC credit and rise in average lending rates to 12.38 percent in first quarter 2026
The Bank of Central African States' first quarter 2026 CEMAC lending rate report shows new credit volumes fell 20.22% year on year to FCFA 2,510.5 billion while the average total effective lending rate rose to 12.38%. Banks provided 99.66% of new lending, enterprises took 81.15% of volumes and short-term credit remained dominant. Rates fell in the Central African Republic but rose elsewhere, most sharply in Gabon to 21.51%.