• Mobile microloans reach 897,021 in CEMAC, totaling CFA14.45 billion
• Growth driven by mobile money expansion, fintech partnerships, automated scoring
• Rapid rise boosts access but raises risks on debt, data, transparency

Mobile credit is gaining ground across the CEMAC region, as digital financial services reshape access to short-term financing. According to the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), 897,021 mobile microloans were issued in 2024, for a total value of CFA14.45 billion (about $25.8 million).

The average loan size stood at CFA16,114, confirming that these products are designed to meet small, short-term cash needs. Accessible directly via mobile phones, they primarily target users with limited or no access to traditional banking services.

BEAC attributes the growth to three main factors: the rapid expansion of mobile money, the automation of credit risk assessment, and partnerships between banks, payment providers, and fintech companies.

The model relies on a division of roles. Banks supply funding and assume part of the credit risk. Payment institutions provide access to customers through mobile platforms. Fintech firms develop the digital tools, including interfaces and automated scoring systems based on transaction data.

This setup allows for fast loan approvals without the lengthy procedures of traditional banking. It also gives financial institutions a way to reach previously underserved clients. At the same time, it raises regulatory concerns, including the reliability of credit scoring, transparency of loan terms, data protection, and the risk of over-indebtedness.

The rise of mobile credit is closely tied to broader growth in mobile payments across the region. In 2024, CEMAC had more than 51 million mobile payment accounts, up 28%, with 3.74 billion transactions totaling CFA31,788 billion. The distribution network also expanded, with more than 634,000 service points recorded.

However, these figures require careful interpretation. BEAC notes that users can hold multiple accounts and switch between operators, making it difficult to measure the true level of financial inclusion. Another sign of caution: despite the increase in accounts, the activity rate fell by 17.3% in 2024.

The sector continues to attract new players. A partnership announced on July 28, 2025, between Orange Money Group and fintech JUMO aims to expand microcredit services across Africa, with Cameroon among the target markets. With more than 11 million Orange Money subscribers, the country offers a large base of potential users for mobile-based lending.

The stakes go beyond volume growth. For households, small traders, and micro-enterprises, these loans can provide a first entry point into formal credit. But their long-term impact on financial inclusion will depend on key factors, including the cost of borrowing, transparency, the reliability of risk assessment systems, and the ability of regulators to oversee a fast-growing market.

Amina Malloum, with Business in Cameroon