• Cosumaf grants brokerage licenses to three firms, including Smart Capital
• Move aims to expand participation in Cemac regional financial market
• Smart Capital authorized for trading, advisory, custody, portfolio services

Central Africa's financial market regulator, the Commission de surveillance du marché financier de l'Afrique centrale (Cosumaf), has granted brokerage licenses to three firms, including Smart Capital, a strategic and financial advisory firm founded in 2021 with capital of 300 million CFA francs.

The approvals were part of measures adopted at a board meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, in Libreville. The move aims to expand participation in the regional market and broaden available financial services.

The license allows Smart Capital to operate across the Cemac financial market, covering activities such as order transmission, trading, custody, portfolio management, wealth advisory, securities placement, and account servicing.

Leadership rooted in investment banking

Smart Capital is led by investment banker Léandre Bouanza Mombo. He previously spent eight years at the helm of BGFI Bourse, Gabon's first brokerage firm, where he oversaw initial public offerings and bond issuances across the region. He has also worked in audit and financial consulting for institutions operating in several African countries.

As of June 30, 2025, Cosumaf had licensed 25 brokerage firms in the Cemac market, including Global Trade International Investment, Archer Capital Securities (ACS), Financia Capital and Attijari Securities West-Africa (ASCA).

Cameroon accounts for most of these firms, indicating stronger domestic activity in brokerage services. In Gabon, BGFI Bourse has a longstanding presence, while other firms are expanding their operations. Fedhen Capital, for example, has been strengthening its position following the appointment of a country head.

The entry of new operators points to rising competition and ongoing efforts to further develop the regional financial market.

Chamberline Moko