Training & compliance

A look back at the training on the compliance aspects of the new law within the WAEMU region

From May 6 to 8, 2026, in Cotonou, MAIN organized a training session on the compliance aspects of the new microfinance law within the WAEMU region. This session aimed to strengthen understanding of the new regulatory requirements and to support microfinance institutions in their compliance process.

The discussions focused on several key themes of the reform: institutional foundations and the new authorization, governance and the control framework, the expansion and restrictions of operations, prudential compliance and risk management, as well as regulatory reporting and sanctions. The training also addressed customer relationship management and digital services, along with the fundamentals for better managing the compliance process.

Through this initiative, MAIN reaffirms its commitment to supporting microfinance stakeholders as they adapt to a more restrictive and demanding regulatory environment.

Payments & financial inclusion

Interoperability of the Instant Payment System in the WAEMU zone: an imperative for financial institutions

With the deadline set by the BCEAO of June 30, 2026, approaching, integration into the interoperable Instant Payment System (IPS) is becoming a priority for financial institutions in the WAEMU region, particularly microfinance institutions. This reform aims to enable instant payments between different service providers, promoting financial inclusion, smoother transactions, and the development of regional trade.

For MFIs, this transition involves significant technical, organizational, and regulatory adaptations: modernizing information systems, strengthening compliance mechanisms (KYC, AML/CFT), reviewing certain business models, and developing cybersecurity and risk management capabilities.

In this context, the MAIN network, in partnership with LinkAfric, organized a webinar on May 13, 2026, entitled "Interoperability and Instant Payments: An Accelerator for Financial Inclusion." Discussions focused on the technical, regulatory, and organizational challenges of integrating the IPS, as well as the expected benefits for financial institutions and their clients.

Through this initiative, MAIN reaffirms its commitment to supporting financial sector players in their transition to a more integrated payment ecosystem, contributing to stronger financial inclusion across the region.

Green finance · Togo

Togo: the decree on the Green Fund, a new impulse for the Ecological and Social Transition

In a context marked by the intensifying effects of climate change in Africa, Togo took an important step with the adoption of the decree relating to the Green Climate Fund on May 6, 2026. This mechanism aims to strengthen the mobilization and management of resources intended to finance environmental and climate projects.

Beyond its regulatory scope, the decree reflects the country's commitment to placing climate issues at the center of its economic and social development — improving coordination of national sustainable-development initiatives and facilitating access to international climate finance, while opening up opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resilient infrastructure.

This initiative is part of a broader regional push for green finance and represents an opportunity for Togo to strengthen its climate resilience while fostering more inclusive and sustainable growth.