Frequently Asked Questions

The West African Asset Management Company (SOAGA) was created by decision of the UEMOA Council of Ministers of Finance in 2002 and is licensed by CREPMF (the capital markets authority) under number SG/03-04.

Affiliated with BOAD, SOAGA is the first regional financial institution specialized in asset management. SOAGA invests funds entrusted by investors in equities, bonds or other securities with the aim of generating attractive income.

The funds are accessible to everyone. The minimum subscription price per unit at SOAGA is FCFA 5,000. Individuals, companies, associations, corporations and institutions can subscribe freely.

1. Financial planning

SOAGA UCITS serve as investment vehicles to build capital progressively and optimize returns. They allow investors to define a savings plan to achieve short-, medium- or long-term goals.

2. Professional management

SOAGA UCITS benefit from the best investment strategies and each fund delivers performance above the market average in its segment. The management team provides expertise and resources to reach the stated return objectives.

3. Natural diversification

Diversification is a key principle of UCITS. Investing in a UCITS is a simple way to diversify across multiple securities. If one investment declines, another can increase, reducing overall risk.

4. Accessibility

For many people, buying all the securities held by a single UCITS directly would be more expensive. The minimum initial investment for most UCITS is affordable.

5. Liquidity

Investments in SOAGA UCITS are liquid and available on demand. The regulatory processing time is a maximum of 72 hours.

A. SICAV Abdou DIOUF

First SICAV in the UEMOA zone. SICAV Abdou DIOUF is a diversified fund authorized by the UEMOA capital markets authority.

B. Mutual Funds (FCP)

FCP SOAGA EPARGNE SERENITE is a bond fund. The cumulative performance achieved by the fund is 28.29% over the last four years with an average annual performance of 7%*.

FCP SOAGA EPARGNE ACTIVE is a diversified fund. Assets are invested in equities, bonds and other securities.

FCP SOAGA EPARGNE ACTIONS invests primarily in equities listed on the BRVM.

FCP BOAD CAPITAL RETRAITE is a bond fund. Assets are invested in UEMOA bonds. This fund is reserved exclusively for BOAD staff and affiliated institutions.

NO. FCPs communicate average past rates or minimum target rates. The term “guaranteed” is used under specific conditions regulated by the market authority.

NO. Financing is the role of banks or other institutions. SOAGA can support your loan application through the pledge of your units.

SOAGA’s professional portfolio managers make the best daily investment decisions. Clients can see investments through the monthly management reports.

Funds invested in UCITS are liquid and accessible at any time upon request. We nevertheless recommend respecting the suggested investment horizon to optimize returns.

By cheque, cash deposits, bank transfer, cheque remittance, bank card, mobile money.

Funds are valued daily. Interest is available at any time and can be withdrawn periodically (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

Electronic payment methods will soon be available via our upcoming mobile app. Subscriptions can be made on any electronic device (phone, tablet, computer) and payments by bank cards and mobile money.

SOAGA has implemented security measures to prevent any attack on its system.

Clients are not limited in funding their accounts. We comply with AML/CFT requirements.

Performance depends on market opportunities. Investments are made in strict compliance with the investment committee’s decisions to achieve at least the minimum target rate communicated.

You can visit SOAGA’s headquarters or contact one of our advisors through the most accessible channel for you:

- LinkedIn

- Facebook

- servicesclients@soaga.net

- Address: Cotonou, Benin, Avenue Jean Paul II

For individuals

- Copy of a valid ID (national ID, passport, consular card),

- One color passport photo.

For minors

- Copy of birth certificate,

- One color passport photo,

- Representative (documents required for individuals).

For companies/associations

- Business registration certificate or registration receipt,

- Tax registration declaration,

- Statutes,

- Representative (documents required for individuals).

What is asset management?

Asset management or portfolio management consists of investing funds entrusted by investors according to a defined investment policy to reach measurable objectives. Investments can be made across a range of financial products and over short, medium or long horizons.

The investment policy includes eligible financial products, risk level, investment horizon and liquidity management.

What does UCITS mean?

A UCITS (Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) is a financial vehicle that collects savings from different persons or institutions to build a portfolio of securities.

Undertaking

This is the legal and regulatory framework defined by the legislator to protect investors and ensure strict operating rules.

Investment

UCITS are vehicles that invest pooled savings in securities.

Collective

These investments represent significant capital, managed in optimal performance conditions (market access) and security (risk diversification, fund authorization).

Transferable securities

UCITS are managed by professionals. The funds entrusted are invested in the financial market to generate returns. These investments are mainly equities and bonds.

The term UCITS covers two types of placements distinguished by legal form: FCP (Mutual Fund) and SICAV (Investment Company with Variable Capital).

SICAVs are public limited companies issuing shares. By investing in a SICAV, you become a shareholder.

FCPs are co-ownerships of securities issuing units. By subscribing to FCP units, you become a co-owner of a set of financial instruments without shareholder rights. Returns depend on market performance.

01) Simplified access to the entire financial market

Through UCITS you can access all market instruments across all asset classes (equities, bonds…) across the UEMOA zone and various themes or sectors (SMEs, real estate…). UCITS are accessible to individuals with generally low minimum investment amounts. You can also invest gradually through regular contributions.

02) Expertise and know-how of specialists

Investing in the stock market is not improvised. If you lack experience and/or time, UCITS can be a good solution (though risk remains). Investments are managed by finance professionals according to objectives and strategy defined in each UCITS prospectus. SOAGA managers buy/sell securities and adjust allocations to optimize the return/risk profile, working with analysts, strategists and risk controllers.

03) Diversification of investments

Investing in UCITS diversifies your assets alongside savings accounts or real estate. With one fund, you can invest in many securities without buying them one by one. You limit dependency on a single company. Diversified funds or portfolios across asset classes, regions and sectors spread risk more effectively.

04) Investment solutions designed for your needs

Our SICAV and FCP offerings evolve to match market developments and your expectations. Whatever your investment goals or profile, solutions exist from the simplest to the most sophisticated.

05) Flexibility and availability

SICAV shares and FCP units can generally be bought or sold at any time according to their prospectus. Their price (“net asset value”) is calculated periodically.

UCITS revenues are tax-exempt under “DIRECTIVE N° 02/2010/CM/UEMOA ON HARMONIZATION OF TAXATION APPLICABLE TO TRANSFERABLE SECURITIES IN UEMOA MEMBER STATES”.