By Etienne Nfor Liboh
Members of Ntarinkon Cooperative Credit Union Limited (NtaCCUL) have been assured of the continued payment of 6 percent interest on savings — the highest rate offered by a microfinance institution in the CEMAC sub-region.
The announcement was made during the credit union’s 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on March 1, 2026, at the Bamenda Municipal Stadium, where the 2025 annual report was presented.
Addressing members, management acknowledged the difficult operating environment, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing socio-political crisis in the Northwest Region. Despite these challenges, NtaCCUL said it has maintained its leadership position as the largest and one of the most reputable credit unions in Cameroon and the wider CEMAC region, supported by several international awards.
Management further noted that NtaCCUL remains the only credit union in the sub-region without any injunction from the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC), demonstrating full compliance with COBAC prudential regulations.
The 2025 financial year recorded significant growth across key indicators. Membership rose by a record 13,103 new members, bringing total membership to 117,213, up from 104,107 in 2024 — representing a 13 percent growth rate.
Share capital increased from FCFA 3.44 billion to FCFA 3.81 billion, marking an 11 percent rise. Savings grew by FCFA 10.7 billion to reach FCFA 66.8 billion, reflecting a 19 percent increase. Deposits recorded an 11 percent growth rate, while liquidity improved significantly by 35 percent.
NtaCCUL’s General Manager, Ade Muma Divine, attributed the institution’s steady growth to its ongoing digital transformation and product innovation.
“We have been on a digitalization journey for two years, and from the management report, we can say we are nearing completion. Members can now carry out transactions from the comfort of their homes using our mobile application and USSD platform,” he said.
He added that the introduction of the GIMAC card has further enhanced convenience for members. “With the GIMAC card, members can withdraw funds from other banks and microfinance institutions within the network. You no longer need to visit the credit union to carry out transactions. Banking services are available 24 hours a day through your mobile phone or card.”
Highlighting the uniqueness of the institution, the General Manager noted that NtaCCUL has consistently paid 6 percent interest on members’ savings for the past decade. He also emphasized the development of tailored financial products, particularly to support women engaged in small-scale businesses who may lack conventional collateral.
“We have designed schemes that enable women to access small loans without the stringent collateral requirements seen elsewhere. That is part of our commitment to financial inclusion and community development,” he explained.
Newly reelected Board president Barrister Akumah Miranda
The AGM also featured elections into the Board of Directors. Barrister Akumah Miranda was re-elected Board President following what observers described as a keenly contested process. First elected last year, she received renewed backing from members who expressed confidence in her leadership.
In her remarks, Barrister Akumah said her first year in office focused on institutional stability and internal consolidation.
“Now, we turn our attention to growth, modernization and competitive positioning. Our strategic roadmap will prioritize digital transformation, membership expansion, capital base growth, prudent loan expansion with strong risk controls, and enhanced staff capacity, particularly in customer service,” she stated.
With strong financial indicators and an ambitious forward-looking strategy, NtaCCUL appears poised to consolidate its standing as a leading microfinance institution in the CEMAC sub-region.
Members listening to Annual Reports