West African banks expand regional market presence via stock listings

Major financial institutions in West Africa are expanding their presence on regional stock exchanges through capital increases and public offerings.

BGFI Holding Corporation S.A. has launched a new capital increase on the BVMAC. The operation involves the issuance of 1,006,975 new shares to finance group growth and strengthen subsidiary equity. The total emission amount is 80.558 billion XAF, with a subscription price of 80,000 XAF per share. The subscription period is scheduled from September 15 to October 15, 2026, and is open to individuals and entities within the CEMAC zone as well as international investors.

In Côte d’Ivoire, Bridge Bank Groupe Côte d’Ivoire (BBGCI) is scheduled for its first listing on the BRVM on September 24, 2026. This follows a successful Public Offering of Sale (OPV) that mobilized 67.5 billion FCFA. The OPV, which offered 10 million shares at 6,750 FCFA each, saw a subscription rate of 142% and closed ahead of schedule. The listing aims to diversify the bank's shareholder base and improve its visibility and transparency in regional financial markets.