The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has once again adjusted its liquidity offer to CEMAC banks, reflecting the volatility in demand within the sub-regional banking market. On April 21, 2026, the central bank offered CFA 450 billion, a decrease from the CFA 500 billion offered on April 14.
This reduction comes after banks only partially subscribed to the previous offer. On April 14, they requested only CFA 365.2 billion, representing 73% of the available funds. However, the trend reversed quickly. During the April 21 operation, demand jumped to CFA 476 billion, exceeding the BEAC's offer by CFA 26 billion.
This development suggests a resurgence in the refinancing needs of the sub-region's banks. Generally, recourse to central bank liquidity increases when financing needs intensify or when bank treasuries tighten. Bankers explain that institutions turn to the central bank when loan demand exceeds their available cash reserves.
The contrast between these two recent operations highlights the instability of liquidity demand within the CEMAC banking market. In March 2026, BEAC had already increased its liquidity offer to CFA 400 billion, a rise of CFA 50 billion compared to the previous operation, in order to meet increasing demand from banks. This demand had peaked at the end of 2025, reaching CFA 650 billion in September, then 700 and 800 billion in October.
These fluctuations underscore the importance for the BEAC to carefully monitor market needs in order to ensure the financial stability of the CEMAC zone. The BEAC's ability to quickly adjust its liquidity offer is essential to supporting the region's economic activity.
