Restructuring liabilities to regain access to financing

At the end of June 2026, 15.4% of the loans granted by CEMAC banks were non-performing, according to the BEAC. The ratio fell by two points in a year. It remains high: more than one loan in seven.

Behind this figure there are often companies that are sound in their business, but whose debt no longer matches their activity: an investment loan that is too short, cash absorbed by fixed repayments, an overdraft that has become permanent.

A falling ratio does not settle each company's situation

The BEAC does not publish the amount of non-performing loans. The lower ratio may also reflect loans growing faster than arrears. For the company concerned, the question remains: as long as its commitments are classified as non-performing, obtaining new credit is very difficult.

Restructure before being forced to

A successful restructuring starts from the company's actual repayment capacity, not from the loan's original schedule. Several levers can be combined:

• Reschedule the debt over a term consistent with the business's cash flows.
• Convert part of the debt into quasi-equity, repaid according to results.
• Sell or make better use of non-strategic assets to reduce debt.
• Bring in a minority investor, with an exit agreed from day one.

A three-way negotiation

The bank, the company and, where relevant, the investor share a common interest: preserving the company's value rather than letting it deteriorate. For the bank, a restructured and monitored loan is better than a lengthy procedure. For the company's leadership, it is the condition for regaining access to financing and relaunching its projects.

The role of an arranger is to build a credible plan for each party: a quantified diagnosis, a new schedule based on cash flows, and commitments monitored over time.

Where to start

The express diagnosis offered on the Insights page of this site gives a first reading of a company's financial balance. It does not replace analysis, but it allows the discussion to start on a quantified basis.