897,021 microcredits granted in 2024 for 14.45 billion FCFA, an average ticket of 16,114 FCFA: mobile credit is becoming established in the financial practices of the sub-region.
Mobile credit continues its breakthrough in the CEMAC, driven by the rise of dematerialized payment services. According to the 2024 report from the Bank of Central African States, nearly 900,000 microcredits were granted in one year, for a volume of 14.45 billion FCFA. Behind these figures, a model is emerging: rapid financing, of small amounts, tailored for immediate cash flow needs.
With an average ticket of 16,114 FCFA, these loans confirm their role as a daily buffer. They help smooth out unexpected expenses, support informal activities, or cover income gaps. The instant granting, based on transactional data from mobile wallets, appeals to a still underbanked clientele.
This rise is reshaping traditional credit channels. Financial institutions face increased competition from telecom operators and fintechs, capable of distributing standardized loans on a large scale. A major challenge remains: managing risks, notably over-indebtedness, in a segment where speed often takes precedence over thorough analysis.
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As usage spreads, mobile credit could become a structuring lever for financial inclusion in the CEMAC, provided innovation, regulation, and education are combined.
