The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) continues its actions to support efforts
of the public authorities of the Member States of the Union in the fight against the spread of covid-19.
The BCEAO, the entire banking community and the e
WAEMU, have taken new measures to encourage people to limit physical contact
through the use of digital payments.
The measures taken concern free transfers of electronic money between
persons for amounts less than or equal to 5,000 FCFA, including transfers of accounts
banking to e-wallets, and vice versa;
Free payments of water and electricity bills, via mobile telephony, for amounts
less than or equal to 50,000 CFA francs;
The elimination by e-money issuers of commissions paid by merchants
on merchant payments, backed by electronic money.
Banks' 50% reduction in merchants' commissions on payments
merchants, backed by the card in the network of the Groupement Interbancaire Monétique de l'Union
West African Economic and Monetary Affairs (GIM-UEMOA).
The increase in the reloading ceiling of the electronic wallet from 2 to 3 million and the cumulation
monthly reload from 10 to 12 million. This measure is only applicable to customers
regularly identified.
The 50% reduction in fees applied to customer bank transfers, processed via the System
WAEMU Automated Clearing Interbank (SICA-UEMOA).
The relaxation of the conditions for opening electronic money accounts. As such, issuers
of electronic money are allowed, to activate electronic wallets on the basis of data
of mobile telephony, subject to obtaining the customer's agreement by any means and carrying out the
due diligence related to remote identification, within the limits of regulatory ceilings.
The 50% reduction in withdrawal fees by credit card in the regional network of GIMUEMOA.
In addition, the Central Bank commits the banking community to ensuring the availability and quality of
services at ATMs and electronic payment terminals.
These measures come into force on April 3 for a period of 30 days renewable in office
the evolution of the health situation.