BEAC adjusts monetary policy to support CEMAC economic growth, projected at 3.2% in 2026
via Gabon Review3 min read
The Monetary Policy Committee CPM of the Bank of Central African States BEAC held its second ordinary session of 2026 on June 29 in Yaound茅, chaired by Governor Yvon Sana Bangui. The committee decided to further ease its monetary policy to support the sub-regional economic dynamic, citing controlled inflation and stable economic prospects. Globally, growth is expected to slow to 3.1% in 2026, down from 3.4% in 2025, due to persistent uncertainties like geopolitical tensions and conflicts. However, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community CEMAC is projected to see favorable development, with 3.2% growth, 2.4% inflation, and improving external balances in 2026. The CPM anticipates a stronger financial position for the sub-region, with the budget deficit decreasing from 3.7% of GDP in 2025 to 1.9% in 2026, and the current account deficit contracting to 2.9% of GDP. Foreign exchange reserves are expected to increase to 4.72 months of imports by the end of 2026, up from 4.12 months in 2025. To facilitate financing, the CPM lowered the Tender Interest Rate TIAO from 4.75% to 4.50%, the marginal lending facility rate from 6.25% to 5.75%, and mandatory reserve coefficients for sight liabilities from 7.00% to 6.50% and for term liabilities from 4.50% to 4.00%. The deposit facility rate remains at 0.00%. These measures aim to provide more flexibility to the banking system and improve credit access to boost investment and economic activity in CEMAC member states, balancing mo
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Gabon officially launched its National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Artisan Sector Development on June 28 in Libreville. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts and overseen by Minister Marcelle Ibinga-Itsitsa, aims to transform these sectors into key drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and national heritage promotion. Vice President Alexandre Barro Chambrier, representing the Head of State, presided over the presentation, emphasizing the country's ambition to position tourism and handicrafts as pillars of national development and economic sovereignty. The strategy seeks to leverage Gabon's natural and cultural assets, including its forests, national parks, biodiversity, and cultural traditions, to create opportunities for its people. The government aims to build a responsible tourism model that protects nature, respects cultures, supports local communities, and showcases Gabonese authenticity. The strategy, developed through a participatory approach, focuses on three main areas: modernizing and developing the tourism economy, developing the artisan economy, and constructing and rehabilitating tourism and artisan infrastructure. It also addresses institutional, organizational, and infrastructural challenges through programs for improved governance, capacity building, promotion of ecotourism, cultural and business tourism, and professionalization of the artisan sector. The goal is to better structure industries, facilit
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