Daba Finance/BGFI Holding Corporation has reported significant financial growth, with a 9% rise in consolidated net profit to CFA133 billion for 2025. This impressive performance follows its recent listing on the Central African stock exchange (BVMAC), where it has established itself as the largest listed company by market value.

The Libreville-based parent company, BGFIBank, showcased robust financial health with total assets increasing by 24% year-on-year to CFA7,390 billion. Customer deposits grew by 10% to CFA4,263 billion, while loans rose by 5% to CFA3,752 billion. Net banking income also saw a substantial climb of 26%, reaching CFA414 billion, underscoring the group's strong operational performance.

Geographically, Gabon remains the primary engine of profit for BGFI Holding, contributing a significant 50% of the group's total earnings. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) region accounted for 31%, with the remaining 19% generated from the ECOWAS-EU-OI cluster, highlighting a diversified but regionally concentrated revenue stream.

BGFI Holding's highly anticipated listing on the BVMAC occurred on May 7, with an initial market capitalization of approximately CFA1,200 billion, surpassing its projected net asset value of CFA761 billion at the end of 2025. The public offering successfully raised CFA45.3 billion, attracting widespread interest from 7,601 subscribers across 24 countries, making it the first multinational from CEMAC to list on the BVMAC. Furthermore, shareholders approved a capital increase of CFA10.06 billion through the issuance of 1,006,975 new shares, alongside a substantial total dividend package of CFA36.82 billion, equating to CFA2,500 per share.

This landmark listing provides BVMAC with a crucial anchor stock and significantly enhances BGFI Holding's visibility among regional investors. For investors, the appeal is clear: a large, growing banking group with rising assets, strong profits, and an attractive dividend. However, the transition from a private shareholder culture to a public-market model presents governance challenges. Concerns regarding the group's recent IPO strategy were raised by Christian Kerangal, representing Sogafric Holding and other minority shareholders, underscoring the need to balance public market demands with long-standing investor interests.

The success of BGFI Holding on the BVMAC will serve as a vital test for Central Africa’s equity market. While the listing boosts market capitalization, the exchange critically needs active trading, regular disclosures, and more issuers to become a truly useful platform for investors. The company's performance and its commitment to transparency, trading depth, and fair treatment of minority shareholders will be key in encouraging other regional companies to follow suit and list on the exchange.