Explore the Founding Principles and Growth of Mbve Cooperative Credit Union
Learn about the cooperative’s establishment in 1968, its dedication to member savings and credit, and how its values have shaped its steady expansion and community impact.
Learn about the cooperative’s establishment in 1968, its dedication to member savings and credit, and how its values have shaped its steady expansion and community impact.
Delve into the pivotal moments and data that shaped Mbve Cooperative Credit Union Ltd's journey since 1968.
Established as a member-owned microfinance institution dedicated to empowering communities in Cameroon.
Half a century providing trusted savings and credit solutions to our valued members.
Expanding our cooperative family to over fifteen thousand active members nationwide.
Our growth is reflected in a dozen branches serving communities throughout Cameroon.
Explore the origins and growth of Mbve Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, guided by visionary members since 1968.
Chairman
Jean Mbella has steered the cooperative with unwavering commitment since its establishment.
Vice-Chairperson
Marie Ekiba played a key role in expanding our savings and credit services across Cameroon.
Treasurer
Paul Nguimfack managed finances, ensuring transparency and trust within the cooperative.
Secretary
Amina Tchoua coordinated cooperative activities, fostering teamwork and effective communication.
Explore the inspiring story of Mbve Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, founded in 1968 to empower members through savings and credit services across Cameroon.
The Mbve Cooperative Credit Union Ltd (MbveCCUL‑COOP BOD) is a Category 1 Micro‑Financial Institution founded on 7 July 1968 by 21 visionary members who separated from the former Kimbo Town Credit Union. Their goal was simple yet powerful to create a community‑based institution that would promote savings, provide affordable loans, and strengthen local economic growth.
The Union was officially registered on 21 June 1970 by the Registrar of Cooperatives for West Cameroon. Following the enactment of Law No. 92/006 of 14 August 1992 and Decree No. 92/455/PM of 23 November 1992, MbveCCUL‑COOP BOD was re‑registered under No. NW/Co/28/93/0/40. Today, the Union operates under COBAC Decision No. D‑2001/05 (Code 1915), Ministerial Decision No. 00395/MINEFI of 20 August 2001, and National Council of Credit No. EMF/2011/0059, authorizing it to carry out savings and credit activities across Cameroon.
At its founding, members saved XAF 21,000, with a minimum share contribution of XAF 1,000. The first General Assembly was held in Mbve, electing Bernard Bruno Wirnkar as the pioneer President and Justine Taber Wirsiy as the first bookkeeper. By December 1970, membership had grown to 144, with total savings of XAF 1,000,780 and loans amounting to XAF 700,000.
Initially, operations were conducted from Ibrahim Kome’s house every Sunday before moving to a shed in Mbve Main Market, which served as the office until 1999. The Union later relocated to the CamCCUL Branch Office building at Corner Water Mbve. By 2002, membership had reached 480, with shares totaling XAF 65,811,517, assets of XAF 92,365,470, and loans of XAF 75,116,135.
Before 2018, MbveCCUL operated two branches Kumbo and Yaoundé. However, the socio‑political crisis affecting the Northwest and Southwest regions prompted management to expand for sustainability. New branches were opened in Bamenda (May 2019), Douala (November 2020), and Bonaberi (March 2023). Plans are underway to establish the first Southwest Region branch in Buea (Malingo area) and a second Yaoundé branch in either Emana or Simbok.
Today, MbveCCUL‑COOP BOD stands as a member‑owned financial institution built on strong cooperative and business principles. From humble beginnings to a growing network across Cameroon, the Union continues to uphold its founding vision — empowering individuals to save for the future, access affordable credit, and build lasting prosperity.