The National Telecommunications Company (Sonatel) has announced that it will make a partial repayment of its "Sonatel 6.50% - 2020-2027" bond issue, amounting to 11.5 billion CFA francs, on July 16, 2025. This transaction is part of the initial repayment schedule for this loan raised on the regional market, the total outstanding amount of which was 100 billion CFA francs at the time of its issuance.

Launched in 2020 to finance network modernization projects, the development of connectivity, and the strengthening of digital infrastructure in the sub-region, this loan attracted strong investor interest, reflecting the strength of Sonatel's reputation in the WAEMU financial market. The planned partial repayment corresponds to the annual amortization stipulated in the contractual terms of the issue.

This move reflects the operator's strong financial performance, in a context marked by rapid changes in the telecommunications sector and growing needs for digital services. It also comes as listed companies seek to maintain market confidence in a regional environment still subject to certain monetary and geopolitical uncertainties.

The meeting of bond maturities by leading companies such as Sonatel contributes to the credibility and depth of the regional private debt market. It also helps consolidate alternative financing mechanisms to bank credit for large groups, while offering relatively secure investment opportunities to bondholders.

The July 16 transaction, while expected, comes at a time when the regional bond market is witnessing a diversification of issuers, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, and agribusiness sectors. It serves as a reminder of the growing role of long-term debt instruments in financing the West African economy.