The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in a recent study reveals that 15 microfinance structures were placed under provisional administration at the end of March 2021. And for good reason, the quality of the portfolio of microfinance institutions continues to improve. deteriorate due to the increase in outstanding loans within the WAEMU.

The microfinance structures in a situation of default come from 7 countries in the area. Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo each have three microfinance structures in a situation of failure, while Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal each have only one in difficulty. The BCEAO study points to the continued deterioration in the quality of the portfolio of microfinance institutions during the first three months of the year. This situation, which has persisted for a year, has been accentuated by a significant increase in outstanding debts in connection with the covid-19 crisis, specifies the BCEAO. Overall, nearly 523 microfinance units were identified within WAEMU during the first quarter of 2021. These decentralized financial systems served nearly 16 million people with financial products and services.