Yaounde: The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) introduced a new series of coins dubbed ‘Type 2024′ in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) region two weeks ago. However, many traders and business operators in Cameroon are yet to see or feel the impact of these new coins on their businesses. Coin scarcity remains a major problem, particularly in less urbanized areas.
According to Cameroon News Agency, while some traders in capital cities have started seeing the new coins, those in less urban areas are still waiting. Sabin, a retailer at the Mbouda market in the West, expressed skepticism about the coins’ availability, noting that he has only seen them on social media. He lamented the persistent coin scarcity affecting his business, where customers with banknotes often go unserved.
Conversely, Paul, a taxi driver, has encountered the new 200 FCFA coin and holds a more optimistic view. He believes this new coin will address many existing coin-related issues, even though it may intr
oduce initial confusion in everyday transactions.
The new series, introduced on April 2, 2025, comprises nine denominations of stainless steel coins, ranging from 1 FCFA to 500 FCFA. BEAC plans to inject 3 billion FCFA worth of these coins into the CEMAC zone over five years to alleviate currency scarcity and combat counterfeiting, as stated by Yvon Sana Bangui, Director General of the BEAC.
However, acceptance of the new coins has been uneven. Some drivers and bikers are reluctant to accept the 200 FCFA coins, and there is widespread confusion about the changes, as evidenced by videos circulating on social media.