Central Africa Launches First Regional Credit Bureau, Aims to Boost SME Finance. Yaoundé, Cameroon — 2026-01-29 Lead Paragraph: Central Africa has marked a significant milestone in its financial landscape with the launch of Creditinfo Central Africa (CICA), the region’s first regional credit bureau.
The initiative, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC), is set to enhance financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster economic growth across the Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC) bloc.
CICA will serve all six member countries of CEMAC, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. This development aims to establish a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem in Central Africa.
The bureau is designed to improve the quality and availability of credit data, reduce information gaps between lenders and borrowers, and strengthen risk management in the banking and financial services sector.
This, in turn, is expected to enable financial institutions to make more informed lending decisions, lower borrowing risks, and extend credit to a wider pool of businesses, particularly SMEs.
The official launch in Cameroon was attended by Ethiopis Tafara, the IFC Regional Vice President for Africa, who highlighted the importance of a strong and transparent credit reporting system. Tafara’s visit marked his first to the country, during which he also discussed the need for mobilizing private capital and supporting sustainable private sector-led growth.
The regional credit bureau promises to offer a powerful tool for lenders to assess creditworthiness and manage risks effectively across borders. For borrowers, especially entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, it promises improved visibility, fairer lending terms, and increased access to finance. This development is seen as a critical foundation for inclusive growth and signals a new era of transparency and opportunity for businesses across the region.
The establishment of a regional credit bureau is a part of IFC’s broader development strategy in Central Africa, focusing on mobilizing private capital, empowering entrepreneurs, and building markets that work for people.
As Central African economies seek to diversify and grow, the launch of Creditinfo Central Africa marks a significant step toward fostering a more resilient financial system and stronger investor confidence. Further details about the implementation and impact of the new credit bureau are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
