AFINHAB closes its second 40 billion FCFA Social Bond and exceeds 100 billion in cumulative social bonds

AFINHAB, formerly CRRH-UEMOA, is the regional financial institution dedicated to housing refinancing within the UEMOA zone (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo). Created to enable banks to refinance their real estate loans, it plays a key role in addressing the chronic housing deficit in West Africa. According to the announcement published on July 27, 2026 in Lomé, AFINHAB successfully closed its second Social Bond, amounting to 40 billion FCFA. Opened on July 9, 2026, the subscription period for the "Social Bond AFINHAB 6.00% 2026-2041" security—featuring a 15-year maturity—ended on July 24 with demand significantly exceeding supply, according to the institution. This operation brings the total amount of social bonds issued by AFINHAB to 100 billion FCFA. For regional savers and institutional investors, this placement offers a long-term fixed yield backed by an explicit social mission. For UEMOA banks, it expands housing refinancing capacities, thereby potentially increasing access to mortgage credit for households. Subscriptions exceeding the target reflect abundant regional liquidity seeking quality paper and a growing interest in ESG-labeled instruments. An open question remains: the exact amount of the first social issuance is not specified, with only the cumulative total of 100 billion being communicated.