One in three African consumers dissatisfied with credit conditions, survey finds
Thursday, 26 March 2026 15:55 
(Togo First) - The African Union of Consumers (AUC) has published the results of a pan-African survey on satisfaction with financial services in Lomé, pointing to mixed perceptions across the continent.
The findings were presented by Dr Emmanuel Sogadji, executive director of the AUC and president of the Togolese Consumer League (LTC), on Wednesday, March 25 in Lomé. They are based on a survey conducted in 23 countries among 10,655 respondents.
Nearly one-third of users (28.2%) said they were dissatisfied with credit conditions and debt recovery practices, while 31.8% remained neutral, suggesting limited confidence.
On transparency, 54.1% of respondents reported a lack of clarity about interest rates, and 59.7% said information on repayment periods was insufficient.
More than seven in 10 consumers (71%) believe interest rates are not competitive, while 58% consider debt recovery practices too restrictive.
These findings come as access to financing remains limited for a large share of the population, particularly in West Africa, including Togo.
Although the survey does not provide country-level data, the trends observed point to similar conditions across markets, marked by high borrowing costs and strict lending criteria.
By contrast, customer service at financial institutions is viewed more positively, indicating some progress in client relations.
The AUC says the findings should inform reforms in the sector, with a focus on transparency, regulation and financial education to improve inclusion and rebuild trust.
AYi Renaud Dossavi
