General Bank of Cameroon opens country's first Professional Business Centre.

The centre, located in the Bonapriso neighbourhood of Douala I Subdivision, was officially inaugurated Thursday, June 25.

This was, in the presence of the Secretary General at the Littoral Governor's Office, Aboubakari Haman Tchioutu, the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, the Divisional Officer of Douala I Subdivision, the Second Deputy Mayor of the Douala City Council, traditional rulers, business executives and customers.

The ceremony, marked by a traditional performance by the Bell Canton cultural troupe, symbolised the partnership between modern economic institutions and traditional authorities in promoting local development.

The inauguration comes barely six weeks after the State of Cameroon became the majority shareholder of the bank by increasing its stake to 83 percent alongside Sanlam Allianz, paving the way for the institution's transition from Société Générale Cameroun to General Bank of Cameroon.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Victor Noumoué, reassured customers that the change in ownership would have no impact on the bank's operations or financial stability.

"The transition has absolutely no impact on the continuity of our services or the support we provide to our customers," he said, noting that the bank recently doubled its equity capital to FCFA 138 billion, further strengthening its financial base.

He explained that although the institution will continue operating under the Société Générale Cameroun commercial name during the agreed transition period, management remains in the hands of an experienced Cameroonian executive team, supported by a newly constituted Board of Directors comprising representatives of the State, Sanlam Allianz and independent banking experts.

Noumoué added that with 49 branches nationwide, General Bank of Cameroon remains one of the country's leading banking institutions and intends to consolidate its position by bringing specialised financial services closer to customers.

According to him, the new Professional Business Centre reflects the bank's commitment to offering tailor-made financial solutions to established enterprises, liberal professions, including doctors, lawyers, architects, accountants and notaries, as well as associations requiring specialised advisory and financing services.

Unlike the bank's existing 'Maison de la PME,' which prepares start-ups and young enterprises to become bankable through technical, legal and financial support, the Professional Business Centre is dedicated to financing and accompanying businesses that are already operational and seeking expansion.

Regional economic development 

In his remarks, the Second Deputy City Mayor, Dr Roger Njichoua, described the inauguration as a significant contribution to the economic development of Douala, which he said remains the leading economic hub of Cameroon and the CEMAC sub-region.

He noted that access to specialised financial services remains essential for stimulating innovation, improving business competitiveness and creating employment.

Dr Njitchoua also commended the bank for maintaining its longstanding commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, recalling that it pioneered the Maison de la PME at its Bali branch several years ago after establishing an earlier business support centre in Akwa.

On his part, Secretary General at the Littoral Governor's Office, Aboubakari Haman Tchioutu, lauded the initiative, describing it as being in line with government's efforts to strengthen private sector development and improve access to financial services.

He assured the bank of continued support from public authorities, stressing that the development of businesses remains a priority under the economic vision of the State.

"Government will continue to accompany initiatives that create value, promote entrepreneurship and contribute to national economic development," he said.

The Commercial Director for Individual and Professional Clients, Armel Bella, described the facility as the first dedicated Professional Business Centre in Cameroon's banking sector.

He said the centre provides clients with direct access to specialised advisors in financing, cash management, leasing, real estate, investment and digital banking services.

Customers will also benefit from products including short and medium-term loans, commercial real estate financing, equipment leasing, factoring services, international transfers, foreign exchange services and dedicated digital platforms such as Connect Pro and My Business, supported by a 24-hour electronic banking assistance service.

Officials further explained that the opening of the centre demonstrates the bank's determination to deepen its local roots following the transition to General Bank of Cameroon and strengthen its contribution to financing Cameroon's economy.

They reiterated that the institution remains financially sound, backed by strengthened capital, an experienced local management team and the continued confidence of its shareholders. The inauguration concluded with the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, a guided tour of the new facility. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3834 of Wednesday July 01, 2026