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The COBAC incorporates ESG and AI risks into its regulatory framework for banks in the CEMAC region Published on 29 September 2026 by Christ-loisele (2 min read)
The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) is expanding its scope of action to include risks related to ESG criteria and artificial intelligence. This decision, formalized during the 15th annual consultation meeting in Malabo, marks a turning point for banking supervision in the CEMAC region.
Video: #CAMEROON - BETWEEN COBAC AND CDEC, A LEGAL CONTRADICTION THAT WEAKENS THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM (Voxafrica Panafrican Bilingual, YouTube) An expansion of the risks supervised by COBAC
COBAC has officially integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, as well as those related to artificial intelligence (AI), into its scope of action, according to Financial Afrik . This decision, announced on September 29, 2026, is part of a drive to modernize banking regulation within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Discussions took place during the 15th annual consultation meeting between the President of COBAC and banking institutions, held in Malabo on September 28, 2026, as reported by Journal du Cameroun .
The integration of ESG and AI risks by COBAC marks a key step in modernizing banking supervision in Central Africa.
Illustrative photo: supercomputer (OLCF, CC BY 2.0) The challenges of ESG criteria for CEMAC banks
ESG risks, covering issues such as climate change or controversial social practices, are becoming a cornerstone of banking supervision. For banks operating in the CEMAC region, this implies adapting compliance and risk management processes. For example, institutions will need to assess the environmental impact of their investment portfolios, as now required by the expanded regulatory framework.
Artificial intelligence: a new challenge for financial stability
The integration of AI-related risks reflects an awareness of the vulnerabilities introduced by emerging technologies. Banks will now need to anticipate algorithmic biases, cyber threats linked to automated systems, or the risks of technological dependence. These issues were addressed during the Malabo meeting, where participants discussed best practices for managing these new challenges.
What this changes here
For businesses and government agencies in Benin and West Africa , this development could accelerate the adoption of similar regulatory frameworks. Local banks, already subject to strict compliance requirements, should prepare to integrate ESG audits and assessments of AI-related risks into their internal processes. This could also encourage national regulators to strengthen their collaboration with the COBAC to harmonize practices across the sub-region.
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