Yaoundé: International Financial Symposium

Contacturer Capital SA, Horus Investment Capital, and Akoa Mballa & Co are organizing the International Financial Symposium from April 10 to 11, 2025, at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel.

THEME: Sovereign Debt of CEMAC Member States and Restructuring Opportunities

KEY TOPICS : To address current challenges and anticipate future issues, the symposium will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the following themes:

• Overview of sovereign debt in the CEMAC region;
• Challenges posed by sovereign debt in CEMAC and financing documents;
• Reflections on sovereign debt restructuring mechanisms in CEMAC and related financing documents;
• Legal and regulatory framework applicable to sovereign debt in the CEMAC zone;
• Structuring a transaction and applicable financing documents for sovereign debt.

CONTEXT AND RATIONALE : The International Financial Symposium serves as a strategic platform for reflection on financial issues in Africa, with a particular focus on the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). Member states of the CEMAC region face increasing challenges in managing their sovereign debt, which is inevitably influenced by the global economic crisis, commodity price fluctuations, and health and security crises. These aggravating factors exert significant pressure on public finances in CEMAC member states, with sovereign debt currently estimated at approximately 50% of GDP, according to the World Bank.

Given this context, it is crucial to establish an inclusive framework for reflection, bringing together both private and public sector actors to explore innovative debt restructuring opportunities tailored to the sub-region. The symposium will also serve as an excellent platform to showcase local and international expertise, enhancing the capacity of member states to address these complex challenges.

SYMPOSIUM OBJECTIVES:

• Showcasing local expertise: Highlighting the capabilities of CEMAC institutions and experts in managing and restructuring public debt.
• Creating synergies: Establishing a collaborative platform among key stakeholders, including member states, stock exchange firms, international financial institutions, banks, and the private sector, to develop sustainable and efficient solutions.
• Sharing experiences on sovereign debt restructuring mechanisms: Providing tested and context-specific solutions to address local challenges.

TARGET AUDIENCE : The symposium aims to bring together a diverse range of participants, including:

• Governments and administrations of CEMAC member states;
• Sub-regional, regional, and international banks and financial institutions;
• Financial market intermediaries;
• Major companies operating in strategic sectors;
• Individuals interested in economic and financial issues;
• Financial and banking regulators (COBAC and COSUMAF);
• Key donors and multilateral institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank);
• Central Banks.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES : By the end of this event, which is expected to gather 300 participants, the following outcomes are anticipated:

• A deeper understanding of sovereign debt dynamics in CEMAC and the opportunities available to various stakeholders;
• Concrete recommendations for effective debt management and restructuring;
• The establishment of strategic partnerships between member states, financial institutions, and private sector actors;
• Greater recognition of local expertise in financial and economic management.