Creditinfo Central Africa launches operations in Gabon to enhance financial transparency and access to credit

The launch ceremony included the signing of membership agreements between Cica and credit institutions, as well as microfinance institutions in Gabon. Michel Tsamba, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Debt, and Participations, representing Minister Thierry Minko, presided over the event, which was also attended by Rodrigue Bissielou, BEAC National Director for Gabon, and Philippe Boupda, Cica Director General. This initiative aims to strengthen financial transparency, improve risk assessment, and broaden access to credit within the sub-region.

Gabon is the fifth country in the sub-region to implement this system. Michel Tsamba highlighted the credit information bureau as a strategic lever for economic transformation, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap in reliable borrower solvency information. He stated that it will enable lenders to better assess risks, secure their decisions, and ultimately foster wider and more equitable access to credit, contributing to SME financing, private sector development, financial inclusion, and investor confidence.

Rodrigue Bissielou noted that the non-performing loan rate in the Gabonese banking system exceeds 18%, significantly above the prudential norm of less than 5%. He described the credit information bureau as a ro