(Business in Cameroon) – In 2025, Acep Cameroon will focus on a major fundraising campaign to strengthen its ability to support small businesses and rural communities across the country. The microfinance institution, which specializes in financing very small businesses (VSBs) and rural actors, plans to raise capital through the Central African Stock Exchange (BVMAC).
On January 9, the institution officially announced its first-ever bond issue on the regional market, which launched in late December 2024. Subscriptions for the bond, which offers a 7% interest rate over three years, will close on January 30. The bond aims to raise CFA5 billion to fund the organization’s strategic plan for 2025-2027. According to Acep Cameroon, the bond issue will help reduce the institution’s dependence on international donors and strengthen its local funding base.
Later in the year, Acep Cameroon also plans to raise another CFA10 billion through the same platform, as revealed by FinAfrique. The microfinance institution has been selected to issue the first-ever Inclusive Bonds in Central Africa. This innovative financing method, led by FinAfrique, is designed to improve access to capital for the most vulnerable entrepreneurial sectors, particularly VSBs and informal businesses. The funds raised will be allocated to local microfinance institutions like Acep Cameroon, which will then provide loans to small businesses with built-in guarantees.
In total, Acep Cameroon is targeting CFA15 billion in capital raised through the BVMAC in 2025. This push will significantly contribute to the CFA404 billion in credit already provided to VSBs over the last 15 years. At a press conference on January 23, 2024, in Yaoundé, Acep Cameroon officials shared that CFA57 billion of this amount has been dedicated to rural areas, including CFA21 billion specifically for agricultural financing. Acep Cameroon has become one of the primary financiers of the local agricultural sector, which has long been considered underserved by traditional banks.
Founded as part of a government initiative, Acep Cameroon is supported by key financial partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), the investment fund Investors & Partners (I&P), local banks, and public institutions. To date, Acep Cameroon has received CFA76 billion in financial backing to carry out its mission of supporting small businesses, rural communities, and the informal sector.