Effective 2 November 2026, a client may hold up to 4 million FCFA across all accounts with the same electronic money issuer (EME), compared to 2 million FCFA currently. Furthermore, the cumulative amount of monthly top-ups is now capped at 15 million FCFA, compared to 10 million FCFA today.
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has decided this in its Instruction No. 20.
Published on 8 October 2026, this decision amends Instruction No. 008-05-2015 of 21 May 2015 governing the terms and conditions for the activities of electronic money issuers (EME) in the member states of the West African Monetary Union (UMOA). See also- The BCEAO maintains its main key rate at 3%.
According to this text, any request to exceed one of these ceilings must be sent to the Central Bank to obtain prior authorization. The institution will be particularly vigilant regarding measures for monitoring transactions, risk management, and enhanced control.
Professionals acting as distributors or acceptors of electronic money are not subject to these constraints. Enhanced reserves.
Regarding money deposited by clients, the Central Bank also imposes new rules. Mobile money issuers must now place these funds only in bank accounts, microfinance institutions, or government and publicly traded corporate securities.
To ensure clients can withdraw their money at any time, at least 65 % of the funds in circulation must be kept in immediately available bank accounts. In addition, these reserves are accounted for at the lower of their purchase price or their current market value.
According to the BCEAO, these decisions aim to adapt the regulatory framework governing the financial sector to better oversee the risk management and liquidity of the concerned institutions. Anselme Akéko Published on 09/10/26 16:34 Editorial Staff