Banque de la République du Burundi and AFRACA discuss research on movable collateral registries
The Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB) met the AFRACA Secretariat in Nairobi on 16 September 2026, during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Association of African Central Banks, hosted by the Central Bank of Kenya as part of its sixtieth anniversary. BRB holds the Vice Chair of AFRACA's Executive Committee. The First Deputy Governor led the delegation, which Ms. Ngo B. Anny Caroll, Secretary General of the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association, received at the Secretariat's offices at the CBK Institute of Monetary Studies.
Discussion covered institutional cooperation, financial inclusion, knowledge sharing, training, and new approaches to improving access to finance.
Collateral registry research
The Secretary General presented AFRACA's planned research on movable collateral registries. Collateral constraints remain a major barrier for farmers, SMEs and rural enterprises that lack land or other conventional security. The research will compare the status, use and effectiveness of registries across African markets, covering:
- Legal frameworks and enforcement
- Registration costs and eligible asset types
- Lender awareness
- Actual impact on lending
The findings are intended to support policy recommendations, peer learning and practical improvements in agricultural and SME finance. The question put to the central bank was what evidence it holds on whether its registry is materially expanding access to credit.
Knowledge sharing
For wider dissemination of research and member knowledge, AFRACA lists an E-Library among its 2026 initiatives, alongside a research and capacity programme with CBK-IMS.
Follow-up
The meeting closed on the four steps proposed to each central bank: a focal point at the bank; one priority where collaboration can begin; the national institutions to connect with AFRACA; and a practical next step.
AFRACA thanks the First Deputy Governor and the BRB delegation for their continued leadership within the association and for meeting the Secretariat during the AACB week.
AFRACA has held diplomatic status in Kenya since 2003 and brings together more than 85 member institutions in 30 African countries.