CEMAC Banking Sector Shifts Toward Domestic Ownership
Foreign-controlled institutions accounted for 57.4% of regional banks by the end of 2025.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Financial Services
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At the close of the 2025 fiscal year on December 31, foreign-controlled banks comprised 57.4% of the 54 operating financial institutions in the CEMAC region. This shift occurred as the number of domestically controlled banks rose from 18 to 23.
Why it matters
The transition reflects a strategic recalibration of the regional financial landscape driven by bank sales and acquisitions. This move to boost local control aims to reshape the long-term governance of monetary institutions across the region.
CEMAC banks reported a combined net profit of CFA524 billion in 2025, marking a 16.4% increase. Gross nonperforming loans reached CFA2,244 billion, while bank exposure to government debt rose 19.9% to CFA10,641 billion.
The players
COBAC
The Banking Commission of Central Africa serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing financial institutions in the CEMAC region.
Access Bank
Headquartered in Nigeria, this multinational commercial banking group has been actively expanding its footprint across the African continent.
Société Générale
This French multinational financial services company has historically maintained an extensive subsidiary network across multiple African nations.
The details
Ownership dynamics shifted as foreign-controlled banks dropped from 38 to 31 institutions, while domestic private banks grew to ten. Notable transactions included the sale of Société Générale’s Cameroon subsidiary and the acquisition of Standard Chartered operations by Access Bank.
Timeline
July 2025: Société Générale sold its stake in its Cameroon subsidiary.
December 2025: Access Bank finalized the acquisition of Standard Chartered operations in Cameroon.
December 31, 2025: Reporting period for the 2025 fiscal year concluded.
October 22, 2026: COBAC released its 2025 annual report.
Market Landscape
The move toward domestic control marks a departure from historical foreign dominance as established by the CEMAC banking regulatory framework. This consolidation forces international banks to rethink their regional strategies against rising local banking groups.
For customers, the regional shift toward domestic bank control may eventually result in changes to service offerings and local lending accessibility. Clients of affected banks should monitor account notices for updates regarding institution ownership transitions.
The takeaway
The move toward domestic institutional control represents a significant change in the regional financial hierarchy. Investors and customers alike should monitor how this transition influences future credit growth and banking stability in the region.
Further reading
For broader insights on regional institutional shifts, see our Financial Services coverage.
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Is it better for your community's banking sector to be controlled by local rather than foreign investors?
