On Friday, September 12, 2025, Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio, closed the proceedings of the 3rd Annual Symposium of the Professional Association of Credit Institutions of Congo (APEC)-Congo, which was held under the theme “The Congolese Banking System Facing the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow.”

Shortly before the closing session by the Monetary Authority of Congo, participants discussed two sub-themes: “Strengthening Confidence in the Banking Sector: To Promote Transparent Governance and Better Protect Consumers” and “The Judicial System: For a Constructive Relationship and an Improved Business Climate.”

In his address, Christian Yoka noted that the discussions highlighted, in particular, “the need to strengthen the financial stability of our institutions and banking stability, essential conditions for building the confidence of savers and investors; the urgent need to accelerate banking and financial inclusion so that our citizens, as well as our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), have broader access to financing and modern services; and the crucial role of innovation and digitalization, while ensuring the security of transactions and the continuous training of our human resources.” The importance of credible regulation, increased transparency, and a relationship of trust between banks and the judiciary to strengthen the attractiveness of our business climate; and, finally, the promotion of green and sustainable finance, an essential lever for transforming our economy and preserving our natural resources.”

According to him, “faced with current challenges—globalization or deglobalization, digitalization, climate change, geopolitical instability—and those of tomorrow, which will be even more demanding, Congo-Brazzaville must equip itself with a modern, inclusive, resilient banking system geared towards sustainable development.”

In this context, he added, the Monetary Authority “will resolutely strengthen reforms in favor of: consolidating regulation and supervision, in close collaboration with the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and the Banking Commission of Central Africa (COBAC); modernizing financing instruments for households and businesses; and promoting technological innovation.” Improving access to financial services for citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); raising awareness of consumer rights regarding financial products and services; and strengthening the relationship between the justice system and the financial system.

It is worth noting that the first APEC Colloquium was held from May 23 to 25, 2023, under the theme: “Banking Governance in the CEMAC Zone.” The second edition, which took place from October 3 to 4, 2024, focused on “The Overall Challenges of the Agricultural Sector and the Difficulties of Debt Recovery.”

The Communication Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio