The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) published its report on lending conditions in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) for the second quarter of 2026, showing lower average borrowing costs alongside an annual contraction in new credit. New credit totaled XAF 2,903.6 billion, down 6.03% from a year earlier but up 15.66% from the first quarter. The average effective lending rate, including fees and commissions, fell to 10.99%, a decline of 54 basis points annually and 140 basis points quarterly. Businesses received 80.60% of new credit, with their financing increasing 5.57% annually to XAF 2,340.2 billion. This contrasted with a 46.15% decline in credit to public administrations and local authorities, to XAF 289.4 billion, and a 10.46% fall in lending to individuals, to XAF 264.1 billion. Credit remained concentrated geographically and by maturity. Cameroon accounted for 62.83% of the regional total, while loans of short maturity represented 76.01% of new credit. Borrowing costs varied across customer groups and countries despite the regional decline. The average effective rate for small and midsize enterprises fell to 11.15% from 19.10% a year earlier, while the rate for large enterprises rose to 10.37% from 7.45%. Congo’s average rate dropped to 10.00% from 17.78%, whereas Gabon’s rose to 21.51% from 20.07%, remaining the highest in CEMAC. Fees and commissions accounted for an average of 31.96% of effective borrowing costs across the region.
Bank of Central African States reports lower lending rates and annual decline in new CEMAC credit in second quarter of 2026
The Bank of Central African States reported that new credit in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community totaled XAF 2,903.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, falling 6.03% annually despite a 15.66% quarterly increase. Average effective lending rates declined to 10.99%, down 54 basis points annually and 140 basis points quarterly. Businesses received 80.60% of new credit, while financing to public administrations and individuals contracted annually and borrowing costs continued to vary widely across countries and customer groups.