BGFI Holding Corporation’s stock market debut on the Central African regional exchange drew strong demand from investors in Cameroon, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the Gabonese banking group’s regional strategy.
According to results released by brokerage firm BGFIBourse, which managed the transaction, Cameroonian investors subscribed CFA12.7 billion in the first phase of the IPO. That represented 28.1% of the CFA45.3 billion raised so far.
Only Gabon, BGFI Holding’s home market, attracted more subscriptions. Investors there contributed more than CFA22 billion, or nearly half of the total amount raised during the initial phase of the offering.
The IPO attracted 7,601 investors across 24 countries, highlighting both the regional reach of the banking group and investor interest in the offering.
BGFIBourse said 71.3% of the shares sold went to retail investors, including individuals and private companies.
The brokerage firm also noted that Gabon’s position as the issuer’s domestic market played a major role in the strong response. The IPO increased BGFI Holding’s shareholder base from 431 investors to 7,601.
At this stage, the funds raised represent 36% of the company’s initial CFA125.8 billion target.
BGFI Holding plans to use the proceeds to finance its “BGFI 2030” strategy, which includes strengthening subsidiaries in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon, while accelerating the group’s digital transformation.
The company said the IPO process will continue during the third quarter of 2026, with the goal of ultimately opening 10% of its share capital to investors.
Frédéric Nonos
