Afriland First Bank DRC's situation is worrisome, marked by increasing financial difficulties and an ongoing legal dispute between the historical majority shareholder, Afriland First Group (AFG) controlled by Cameroonian businessman Paul Kammogne Fokam, and the Congolese State. Placed under provisional administration since June 20, 2022, by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), the institution shows alarming financial indicators.
The BCC's data as of the end of December 2025 reveals a negative net banking income (NBI) of $4.68 million, sharply contrasting with the positive NBI of $2.241 billion for the entire Congolese banking system. A negative NBI means that banking activity no longer generates net income, with financial expenses exceeding income from intermediation and services. Losses amount to $50.4 million, with negative equity of -$116.9 million.
At the same time, the bank is losing market share in the payment of public agents, impacting its commissions and NBI. In 2025, it lost the market for paying teachers and operating costs of schools in five entities, representing 29,513 agents and 2,039 establishments, to other financial institutions.
These financial difficulties have exacerbated the need for recapitalization, especially since banks operating in the DRC must reach a minimum capital of $50 million since January 2025. In March 2022, the BCC estimated Afriland's capitalization needs at $90 million, an assessment disputed by AFG.
Afriland First Group (AFG) contests its removal from the capital of Afriland First Bank DRC, which it considers a "disguised expropriation". AFG has initiated arbitration proceedings before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) to challenge this eviction and claim compensation. The holding company claims to have been illegally evicted from the capital of its subsidiary by the Congolese State and the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) in July 2021.
AFG issued a statement on February 12, 2026, stating that it no longer exercises any operational, managerial, or financial control over Afriland First Bank DRC and disclaims any responsibility for the social crisis paralyzing certain regions. This statement followed a strike by healthcare personnel in Gbadolite, linked to non-payment of salaries and bonuses via the local branch of Afriland First Bank DRC.
The situation of Afriland First Bank DRC is complex, with significant financial stakes and an ongoing legal battle. The outcome of the arbitration proceedings before the ICSID could have significant consequences for the future of the bank and the position of Afriland First Group in the DRC. In the meantime, the bank remains under provisional administration, facing major challenges to redress its financial situation and restore the confidence of its customers and partners.
The case highlights the complexities of jurisdictional risk in the DRC. For Afriland First Group, the challenge is twofold: to obtain financial compensation and to protect the "Afriland" brand on a continental scale.
