From left to right : Executive Director for African Subsidiaries at Access Bank Group, Mr. Seyi Kumapayi, with the Minister of Finance, H.E. Louis Paul Motaze.
Yaoundé recently hosted strategic discussions between Access Bank Cameroon and the country’s key economic authorities. Led by Seyi Kumapayi, a senior executive of the Access Bank Group, the delegation held a series of consultations with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Economy, as part of efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships.
At the heart of the discussions was the need to consolidate macroeconomic stability and accelerate the implementation of major development projects. In an environment where financing needs remain substantial—estimated at several trillion CFA francs under the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (NDS30)—the role of financial institutions is seen as critical. Cameroon notably aims to achieve an average annual growth rate of 8% by 2030, with a strong focus on industrialization and infrastructure development.
In response to these challenges, Access Bank Cameroon highlighted its contribution to financing the national economy, particularly through its participation in government securities issuances and syndicated loans. The bank also intends to strengthen its foreign currency support, a key lever for facilitating strategic imports and stabilizing external trade amid pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The discussions also addressed the development of technological solutions tailored to public administration needs. The digitalization of payment systems and revenue collection mechanisms has become a priority to enhance transparency and budget efficiency, as several African countries accelerate their digital transition.
At the Ministry of Finance, authorities praised the strength of this partnership, noting that the banking sector accounts for more than 90% of financing for Cameroon’s economy, according to data from the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). In this context, the involvement of pan-African institutions such as Access Bank is seen as an asset in diversifying funding sources and attracting additional capital.
At the Ministry of the Economy, exchanges focused on aligning the bank’s priorities with the objectives of the NDS30, particularly in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and extractive industries. These sectors account for a significant share of expected investments, as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its productive base.
Present in Cameroon since 2022, Access Bank Cameroon is gradually establishing itself within the national banking landscape. A subsidiary of a group operating in 25 countries and serving more than 60 million customers, the bank offers services tailored to corporates, SMEs, and individuals, with a strong emphasis on financial inclusion. This approach is reflected in initiatives targeting young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses, widely recognized as key drivers of growth.
At the end of the meetings, both parties expressed their shared commitment to deepening their collaboration. In a context of increasing competition among banks and evolving African economies, this strengthened partnership reflects a strategic direction : mobilizing more private resources to support development and enhance Cameroon’s economic resilience.
Tressy Chouente



