The Bourse des Valeurs Mobilières d’Afrique Centrale (BVMAC) is increasingly becoming a hub for investors seeking reliable income streams within the CEMAC zone. As the regional market gains momentum, dividend distributions have become a critical yardstick for assessing the financial health and transparency of listed companies. In this analysis, we explore 4 stocks in the BVMAC that paid dividends in 2024, breaking down their performance and what these payouts signal for the regional economy.
For those looking to build a diversified portfolio in Central Africa, understanding which companies are sharing profits is the first step toward success. Here is a closer look at the stocks in the BVMAC that paid dividends in 2024.
Related: How to buy stocks in Cameroon
1. SAFACAM (Société Africaine Forestière et Agricole du Cameroun)
Dividend Paid: 436 FCFA
Payment Date: July 22, 2024
SAFACAM, a major player in the Cameroonian agro-industrial sector, continues to be a staple for regional investors. Specializing in palm oil and rubber production, the company has a long history of contributing to the BVMAC’s market capitalization. In July 2024, SAFACAM distributed a dividend of 436 FCFA per share.
While the agricultural sector often faces price volatility on the global stage, SAFACAM’s ability to maintain a payout reflects its operational efficiency and its strategic importance within the Socfin Group. For shareholders, this 2024 payment reinforces the company’s status as a consistent contributor to investor cash flow.
2. SOCAPALM (Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies)
Dividend Paid: 2,600 FCFA
Payment Date: August 1, 2024
As one of the heavyweights of the Douala and Libreville trading floors, SOCAPALM remains a “blue-chip” indicator for the region. In August 2024, the company paid out a substantial dividend of 2,600 FCFA per share.
With a reference price of approximately 50,000 FCFA, SOCAPALM offers a robust yield that attracts both institutional and retail investors. Its dominance in the crude palm oil market—a product with high domestic demand—ensures that it remains one of the most liquid and reliable stocks in the BVMAC that paid dividends in 2024.
3. SCG-Ré (Société Commerciale Gabonaise de Réassurance)
Dividend Paid: 728 FCFA
Payment Date: September 20, 2024
Representing Gabon’s financial sector, SCG-Ré has proven that the BVMAC is about more than just agriculture. As a regional reinsurance leader, SCG-Ré rewarded its investors with a dividend of 728 FCFA per share in late September 2024.
Against a share price of roughly 21,500 FCFA, the company provides a competitive yield. This payout is particularly significant as it demonstrates the profitability of the service and financial sectors within the CEMAC region, offering a healthy alternative to traditional commodity-based stocks.
4. SEMC (Société des Eaux Minérales du Cameroun)
Dividend Paid: 540 FCFA
Payment Date: June 27, 2024
SEMC, the producer of the well-known Source Tangui mineral water, has undergone significant structural shifts in recent years to stay competitive. The distribution of a 540 FCFA dividend in June 2024 is a positive signal to the market.
At a closing price of 49,000 FCFA, the dividend represents the company’s commitment to shareholder returns even as it navigates a crowded consumer goods market. For many, SEMC’s presence on this list is a sign of corporate resilience and recovery.
Why Dividend Stocks Matter in the BVMAC
The performance of these 4 stocks in the BVMAC that paid dividends in 2024 provides several key insights into the current state of the Central African market:
- Sector Diversity: From the agro-industrial giants (SAFACAM and SOCAPALM) to insurance (SCG-Ré) and consumer goods (SEMC), the dividend-paying landscape is becoming increasingly diverse.
- Income Stability: In a market where stock price appreciation (capital gains) can be slow due to lower trading volumes, dividends provide a tangible “bird in the hand” return that justifies long-term holding.
- Corporate Governance: Regular dividend payments are often viewed by analysts as a sign of strong corporate governance and a transparent relationship between the Board of Directors and minority shareholders.
Conclusion
Monitoring the stocks in the BVMAC that paid dividends in 2024 is essential for anyone looking to capitalize on the economic growth of Central Africa. While each company faces its own unique set of challenges—ranging from weather patterns affecting crops to shifting regulatory environments—the commitment to sharing profits remains a hallmark of the region’s top-tier companies.
As we move toward the next fiscal year, these four companies set the benchmark for what investors can expect from the BVMAC’s elite.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a certified financial broker before making any investment decisions.