**General Bank of Cameroon Expands Network to 50 Branches**
**DOUALA, Cameroon** – General Bank of Cameroon (GBC) has officially inaugurated its 50th branch in Bonabéri, located in the 4th arrondissement of Douala. The opening, which took place on September 2, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the institution’s ongoing transition following a major shift in its ownership structure.
The expansion into Bonabéri, a key industrial and commercial hub, is intended to strengthen the bank’s presence in the region. According to GBC Director General Victor Noumoué, the location was chosen for its cultural diversity and economic activity. The bank already maintains a presence in the nearby area of Bonassama.
**Network and Infrastructure**
With the addition of the Bonabéri site, GBC’s national network now comprises 50 branches, including 15 in Douala. The bank’s infrastructure also includes nine “Premium” branches, two branches dedicated to wealth management, 172 automated teller machines (ATMs), and over 16,700 electronic payment terminals.
**Ownership Transition**
The expansion follows the formal exit of Société Générale from the bank’s capital. On May 12, 2026, the Cameroonian government finalized the acquisition of a 58.08% stake previously held by Société Générale for approximately 129 billion CFA francs (roughly 230.5 million USD).
This transaction, based on a convention signed in July 2025, increased the state’s total ownership to 83.68% of the bank’s capital. The remaining 16.32% is held by Sanlam-Allianz. GBC now operates as a majority state-owned institution, joining other public-sector banks in Cameroon such as BC-PME, CBC, NFC Bank, and UBC.
**Strategic Outlook**
Despite the change in ownership, management maintains that the bank’s daily operations remain unchanged. Victor Noumoué emphasized that the institution is leveraging the experience of its existing leadership teams and a board of directors now bolstered by independent administrators appointed by the state and Sanlam-Allianz.
“We are becoming a local bank,” said Noumoué. “We want to draw from our solid roots to offer quality services.”
The bank aims to position itself as a “relational bank of reference,” focusing on a customer-centric strategy as it builds a distinct identity following its rebranding from Société Générale.
Article and image source: camer.be
