- COBAC includes ATIDI on its list of public financing and guarantee institutions that benefit from a 0% risk weighting.
- This means that banks and other financial institutions regulated by COBAC can now benefit from reduced capital requirements when their exposures are insured by ATIDI.
- The decision should particularly bolster initiatives in sectors critical to the region’s sustainable development.
Nairobi, 05 May 2025 – The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), during its ordinary session held in March 2025, in Libreville, Gabon, has officially approved the inclusion of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) on its list of public financing and guarantee institutions that benefit from a 0% risk weighting under the prudential regulations applicable to credit institutions within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC region).
This important decision is in line with COBAC’s Regulation on risk coverage and division, which permits a 0% risk weighting for exposures to institutions meeting strict financial strength, governance and creditworthiness standards. It recognizes ATIDI’s strong financial position, robust risk management framework and pivotal role in fostering trade and investment across Africa.
ATIDI has established a strong financial foundation, with total equity of USD791.5 million as of December 2024. Established in 2001 by seven African member states, ATIDI was created to attract greater foreign direct investment by mitigating trade and investment-related risks through specialized insurance solutions. Since 2008, the organization has consistently maintained a strong credit standing, holding an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit from Standard & Poor’s. More recently, it secured a second investment-grade rating of A3 from Moody’s, which was upgraded to A3/Positive, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the most creditworthy institutions on the continent.
Operating in more than 24 African countries, ATIDI plays a crucial role in de-risking investment and trade by offering political and credit risk insurance. In the CEMAC region alone, ATIDI has supported transactions totaling over XAF 1 trillion (approximately USD1.4 billion) across sectors such as financial services, energy, agriculture, forestry, fishing and construction
This approval by COBAC carries substantial benefits. Financial institutions in the CEMAC zone can now treat exposures to ATIDI as risk-free for regulatory capital purposes, enhancing their ability to engage in trade and investment transactions backed by the organization. This will improve liquidity, lower borrowing costs and stimulate regional economic integration and development. COBAC’s approval adds to the growing recognition of ATIDI’s status among regulators and stakeholders across Africa and globally, affirming its vision of turning African risk into opportunity.
Quote from ATIDI’s CEO, Manuel Moses:
“We are honored by COBAC’s decision to recognize ATIDI as a zero-risk-weighted institution. This milestone affirms the strength of our financial and institutional frameworks and enhances our ability to support banks and investors across Central Africa. It also underscores our commitment to unlocking trade and investment opportunities that transform African economies.”
About ATIDI
ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and, Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD88 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Positive.
