Afriland First Bank Cameroon is intensifying its commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by highlighting an allocation of FCFA 1,200 billion in credit. This initiative aims to consolidate its position as a key partner for the development of Cameroon's productive sector. The announcement was made on April 15, 2026, by Célestin Nguela Simo, CEO of the bank, during the signing of an agreement with the Interprogress Foundation, organizer of the Salon de l'entreprise, de la PME et du partenariat (Promote).
In 2025, Afriland First Bank reported granting over FCFA 1,200 billion in credit to private companies, with outstanding amounts totaling FCFA 1,667 billion. The bank also claims FCFA 20,333 billion in deposits collected through its network of 100 branches across the country, and a total balance sheet of FCFA 2,550 billion. These figures demonstrate the financial strength of the institution and its ability to mobilize significant resources to support the Cameroonian economy.
Beyond the figures, Afriland First Bank aims to position itself as a true growth partner for SMEs. Célestin Nguela Simo emphasizes the bank's commitment to the real economy, stating that this commitment translates into tangible and verifiable results. The bank highlights its forty years of experience serving SMEs, entrepreneurship, and the real economy, emphasizing its role in financing, structuring, and supporting businesses in their development projects.
Afriland First Bank is also banking on its territorial presence, with 100 branches including in rural areas, to strengthen its proximity to economic operators. The bank highlights its ability to mobilize resources for SMEs through partnerships with the IFC, Proparco, and the IDB. This strategy is part of the Afriland Horizon 2030 strategic plan, which aims to contribute to the emergence of African economic champions.
Afriland First Bank is a long-standing partner of the Promote trade fair, a major event for Cameroonian and sub-regional SMEs. The 2026 edition of Promote will be held from June 12 to 21 at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé. The bank plans to fully finance the presence of 40 SMEs at Promote 2026, grant a 30 to 35% discount on participation costs for companies in contact with it, and offer comprehensive support to its exhibiting clients. For Célestin Nguela Simo, Promote is "a true growth accelerator".
By actively participating in Promote 2026, Afriland First Bank seeks to transform its financial performance into a legitimizing argument in the productive financing market. The goal is to reinforce its image as a key player in the real economy and consolidate its position in the SME segment, which it considers central to its development strategy. The bank also received support of FCFA 26.2 billion from the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea) to increase its action in the SME/SMI segment and promote Islamic finance in the business community. Afriland First Bank also signed a $60 million financing agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to facilitate access to credit for Cameroonian SMEs.
"At Afriland First Bank, our commitment to the real economy is not limited to declarations of intent. It is measured by tangible and verifiable results," reaffirms Célestin Nguela Simo.
