Central African Bank Maintained Policy Rates
The Bank of Central African States held interest rates at 4.5% while adjusting the regional economic growth outlook.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Economic Policy
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The Bank of Central African States kept its main policy rate at 4.5% during its third ordinary session in Yaounde. Simultaneously, the bank reduced the projected 2026 economic growth forecast for the CEMAC region to 3%.
Why it matters
The decision to hold rates reflects ongoing efforts to navigate a region that remains below its growth potential. Policymakers are balancing these targets against a heavy reliance on imports and projected inflationary pressures.
The central bank maintained a marginal lending facility rate of 5.75% and a 0% deposit facility rate. Compulsory reserve ratios are set at 6.5% for sight liabilities and 4% for term liabilities.
The players
Bank of Central African States
This is the central bank serving the six member states of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa.
Yvon Sana Bangui
He serves as the Governor of the Bank of Central African States and chaired the recent policy meeting.
The details
Chaired by Governor Yvon Sana Bangui, the Monetary Policy Committee finalized these settings to address regional economic conditions that included a 2% average inflation rate and a 4.5% fiscal deficit in 2025. Officials now anticipate that the fiscal deficit will narrow to 3.3% of GDP while inflation averages 2.2% in 2026.
Timeline
The 2025 fiscal year saw a 3.7% growth rate and 2% average inflation.
Central bank officials lowered the tender rate during a June 2026 session.
The Monetary Policy Committee held its third ordinary session on September 28, 2026.
Macro View
The central bank's policy settings reflect the current progress and challenges of the CEMAC regional convergence criteria. This approach mirrors historical efforts to stabilize regional deficits while confronting structural economic limitations.
The maintenance of current interest rates provides a baseline for local borrowing costs and credit availability within the CEMAC region. Projected inflation of 2.2% suggests that consumers may continue to face modest pressure on their purchasing power and cost of living in 2026.
The takeaway
Maintaining steady interest rates serves as a mechanism to temper economic volatility in the region. Monitoring the narrowing fiscal deficit will be essential for observers tracking long-term financial stability in Central Africa.
Further reading
For more information on global monetary trends, visit our Economic Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business in Cameroon.
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