Ecobank Guinea Ecuatorial has approved a multi-year plan to increase its share capital from CFA10 billion to CFA25 billion, aligning the bank with new capital requirements introduced by the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) for financial institutions operating within the CEMAC region.
The decision was adopted during an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders held in Malabo, where the bank presented a recapitalization roadmap designed to strengthen its financial position while complying with regional banking regulations.
GABI Opens Nominations to Celebrate Africa’s Unstoppable Entrepreneurs and Changemakers
Under the approved strategy, Ecobank GE will gradually increase its capital by capitalizing retained earnings and distributable reserves rather than requesting new financial contributions from shareholders. According to the implementation schedule, the bank expects to raise its capital to CFA16 billion in 2026, CFA21 billion in 2027 and reach the required CFA25 billion in 2028.
The recapitalization plan follows the adoption of COBAC Regulation R-2025/02, which increased the minimum capital requirement for commercial banks in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) from CFA10 billion to CFA25 billion. The regulation came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring banks to either meet the new threshold or submit a credible capital restoration plan within the transition period established by the regional banking supervisor.
Ecobank GE said the strategy is supported by the institution’s financial performance. The bank reported a net profit of more than CFA5.2 billion for the 2025 financial year, while accumulated distributable earnings provided sufficient reserves to support the phased capital increase without diluting existing shareholders.
Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Board Estanislao Don Malavo said the Extraordinary General Meeting was convened to inform shareholders about the new regulatory obligations imposed by COBAC and explain the bank’s strategy for meeting those requirements.
He emphasized that the increase would not require additional investments from current shareholders, noting that the institution’s accumulated reserves and prudent financial management made it possible to finance the recapitalization internally.
According to Don Malavo, strengthening the bank’s capital base will improve its financial resilience, reinforce compliance with prudential banking standards and expand its ability to finance businesses, entrepreneurs and strategic development projects across Equatorial Guinea.
The chairman added that if the bank’s future financial results exceed current projections, the capital increase could be completed ahead of schedule, allowing Ecobank GE to satisfy the regulatory requirements sooner while further strengthening its balance sheet.
The Extraordinary General Meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors, senior executives, legal representatives and institutional shareholders, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance and supporting the country’s economic development.
