Forex trading is legal in Equatorial Guinea and operates under the comprehensive regulatory framework of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. The Bank of Central African States conducts CEMAC's exchange rate policy, drawing up rules relating to implementation and ensuring economic agents comply with exchange regulations applicable in CEMAC in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of currency and credit (1). Equatorial Guinea is a member of CEMAC, which comprises six central African countries including Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, sharing the CFA Franc currency (2).
The regulatory framework governing forex operations is defined by CEMAC Regulation 02/18/CEMAC/UMAC/CM adopted in December 2018, which applies to all economic actors across member states. The BEAC monitors compliance of external transactions and operations with foreign exchange regulations, carrying out on-the-spot and documentary checks with assistance from COBAC and the Ministry in charge of currency and credit (1). All transactions must comply with regulations on prevention and suppression of money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation, with both BEAC and Ministry of Finance authorized to determine breaches and impose sanctions (2).
"In accordance with its Statutes, the BEAC conducts CEMAC's exchange rate policy. In this respect, it draws up the rules relating to the implementation of exchange rate policy and ensures, in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of currency and credit that economic agents comply with the exchange regulations applicable in the CEMAC."
All routine transactions exceeding approximately $1,700 require qualifying documentation and government approval, with transfer orders issued within two working days of client submission provided all conditions are met (1). Foreign currency accounts and external transactions are heavily regulated, with capital transactions generally free unless otherwise specified in CEMAC regulations, though current transactions may be conducted freely subject to proof of fund origin and required documentation (1). Credit institutions serve as approved intermediaries responsible for ensuring external transactions comply with foreign exchange regulations before execution (2).
Source:
https://www.beac.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/REGULATION_compressed.pdf
https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/equatorial-guinea
Last updated: 15-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
