• Total banking assets reach CFA7,586bn ($13.7bn), up 9% year on year
• State-owned BIIC holds nearly 25% market share with CFA1,885.86bn in assets
• Possible merger with Société Générale Bénin could add around CFA300bn in assets

Total assets of banks operating in Benin stood at CFA7,586bn ($13.7bn) as of December 31, 2025, up 9% year on year, according to data from the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions of Benin (APBEF). The figures confirm Banque internationale pour l’industrie et le commerce (BIIC) as the country’s leading bank.

The state-owned lender reported total assets of CFA1,885.86bn in 2025, with its market share rising from about 22% in 2024 to nearly 25% a year later. BIIC is followed by the local subsidiary of Bank of Africa (BOA), with nearly 13% of the market, Coris Bank International (11%) and NSIA Bank (11%). Ecobank completes the top five with nearly 10% of total sector assets.

BIIC’s strengthened domestic leadership comes after a year marked by its listing on the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM). The public offering resulted in the sale of more than 33% of its capital for over CFA100bn.

Named Benin’s Best Commercial Bank in 2025 by International Banker, a leading financial sector publication, BIIC became the third Beninese company listed on the regional market and the second in the financial sector after BOA Benin.

Formed from the merger of former BIBE and BAIC in 2020, BIIC has rapidly become a heavyweight in Benin’s financial sector. Its position could further strengthen in the coming months through a possible merger with Société Générale Benin. An agreement provides for the Beninese state to acquire the shares of the French group’s local subsidiary, which could add nearly CFA300bn in assets, a loan portfolio of CFA212bn, and CFA209bn in deposits to BIIC.